How to Draw Blood

Co-authored by David Nazarian, MD

Nurses and phlebotomists draw blood to perform a variety of medical tests. This article will teach you how professionals draw blood from patients.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Take note of signs behind the patient's bed or on the patient's chart. Observe isolation restrictions, and make sure that, if the blood test requires fasting, that the patient fasted for the appropriate amount of time.
Explain what you are about to do as you draw blood.

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Put on sanitary gloves.
4
Review the patient's order.
- Verify the requisition is stamped with the patient's first name, medical record number and birthday. No birth year required.
- Make sure that the requisition and labels match exactly with the patient's identification.
- Confirm the patient's identity from the wristband or by asking the patient for a name and date of birth. Only month and day of birth is required.
You should have in front of you: blood collection tubes, a tourniquet, cotton balls, bandage or medical adhesive tape, and alcoholic wipes. Make sure that your blood tubes and blood culture bottles have not expired.
The type of needle that you choose will depend on the patient's age, physical characteristics and the amount of blood that you plan to draw.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

The chair should have an armrest to support the patient's arm but should not have wheels. Make sure that the patient's arm is not bent at the elbow. If the patient is lying down, place a pillow under the patient's arm for additional support.
Tie a tourniquet around the patient's arm about 3" to 4" (7.5cm to 10 cm) above the venipuncture site.
Avoid asking the patient to pump his or her fist.
Tap the vein with your index finger to encourage dilation.
Use a circular motion, and avoid dragging the wipe over the same piece of skin twice.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

The end should have no obstructions or hooks that will restrict the flow of blood.
Use the needle sheath to secure the needle in the holder.
Avoid pushing the tube past the recessed line on the needle holder or you may release the vacuum.
Your thumb should pull the skin taut about 1" to 2" (2.5cm to 5cm) below the puncture site. Make sure the patient's arm points slightly down to avoid reflux.
Make sure the bevel is up.
Push the collection tube toward the holder until the butt end of the needle pierces the stopper on the tube. Make sure that the tube is below the puncture site.
Remove and discard the tourniquet as soon as blood flow into the tube is adequate.
Mix the contents if the tube contains additives by inverting the tube 5 to 8 times. Do not vigorously shake the tube.
Place a piece of gauze over the puncture site.
Place the gauze on top of the venipuncture site and apply gentle pressure to stop the bleeding.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

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Some patients are squeamish during a blood draw. Encourage the patient not to watch as you insert the needle. Take precautions in case your patient becomes dizzy or feels like fainting. Never let a patient leave until he or she has fully recovered.

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Helpful 165 Not Helpful 41
If you're drawing blood from a small child, suggest that the child sits in the parent's lap for comfort.

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Helpful 165 Not Helpful 48
Rather let the patient hold on to something with the other hand so to shift their focus about the needle being inserted in their vein.

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Never attempt a blood draw more than twice. If you can't complete the procedure, consult a nurse.

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Helpful 93 Not Helpful 21
Follow precautionary procedures if any of your materials become soiled with blood or if you or your patient is pierced with a contaminated needle.

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Helpful 81 Not Helpful 20
Consult a doctor or nurse if you can't stop the puncture site from bleeding.

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Helpful 90 Not Helpful 24
Avoid leaving a tourniquet on a patient's arm for more than 1 minute.

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Helpful 89 Not Helpful 24