Dos and Don'ts

Do Don't

 Use two identifiers while collecting specimens.  Leave the tourniquet on

 Apply clean gloves and prepare your equipment longer than 1 minute.
 Apply the tourniquet 3-4" above intended  Remove the tourniquet before
venipuncture site. removing the needle.
 Cleanse the site in an outward spiraling motion and  Touch the venipuncture site
allow drying for 30-60 seconds. after it has been cleansed.
 Use small gauge of needle when drawing patients  Draw blood from IV line.
that have small or fragile veins or when drawing from  Recap the needle.
the hand.  Label specimens at the
 Utilize the safety device on the need and dispose in nurses’ station.
the proper sharps container.
 Label specimens at patient bedside.