Venipuncture Procedure

The venipuncture procedure is complex, requiring both knowledge and skill to perform. Each phlebotomist generally establishes a routine that is comfortable for her or him. Several essential steps are required for every successful collection procedure:
- Identify the patient.
- Assess the patient’s physical disposition (i.e. diet, exercise, stress, basal state).
- Check orders for requested tests, patient information, and any special requirements.
- Select a suitable site for venipuncture.
- Prepare the equipment, the patient and the puncture site.
- Perform the venipuncture.
- Collect the sample in the appropriate container.
- Recognize complications associated with the phlebotomy procedure.
- Assess the need for sample recollection and/or rejection.
- Label the collection tubes at the home in the presence of the client with 2 identifiers: client first and last name and date of birth; date and time of collection and initials of nurse performing the collection.
- Promptly take the specimens with the requisition to the laboratory or prepare for shipment via Lab-in-a-Box.