Techniques for Venipuncture

Venipuncture is the process of puncturing a vein to introduce intravenous medication or to a collect a blood sample. It is the most common invasive procedure in clinics and hospitals. Only professionally trained medical practitioners are qualified to practice venipuncture to ensure safety and proper procedure.

Preparatory Techniques

• Intravenous procedures potentially expose patients and the medical professional to harm. Medical practitioners must always wash their hands and wear fresh latex gloves before performing venipuncture. Sterile and fresh needles must also be used. The area to be punctured must be cleaned properly by applying povidone-iodine in a circular motion and letting it stand for 45 seconds to a minute. Once the povidone-iodine is dry, clean it by applying isopropyl alcohol around the area. Always make sure to let the alcohol dry out before puncturing the vein.

Puncturing Technique

• During blood collection, venipuncture is done at the bend of the elbow. Once the area is cleaned and disinfected, put a tourniquet about four to five inches above the bend of the elbow. This creates a "pool" of blood on the vein at the bend of the elbow and will make blood collection easier. Position the needle in line with the vein and pull the skin on the area for easier penetration. Puncturing the vein with the needle should be quick and smooth.

Blood Collection Techniques

• Blood collection can be done by using several medical tools: a syringe, an evacuated or vacuum tube or a butterfly. When using a syringe to draw blood, draw the plunger slowly without applying much pressure. The vacuum tube uses the same process, although the medical assistant does not need to apply pressure to draw blood. The butterfly is the least painful procedure as it uses a very small needle to puncture the skin.

  Whatever type you're using, be sure to place gauze on top of the wound before removing the needle. Once you remove the needle, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Ask the patient to hold the gauze and continue applying pressure for two more minutes. Replace the gauze and secure it by taping it in place.

Intravenous Medication

• Intravenous medication introduces substances directly into a person's blood stream. It requires an IV bag and a drip system to control the flow of liquid that goes into the body. Clean and disinfect the area to be punctured. In the case of intravenous drugs, the needle is usually placed on the vein located on the wrist and not on the bend of the elbow. Proper venipuncture is critical since the needle will stay for a long period of time in the patient's vein. Improper execution may result in a blown vein after a few hours, which requires the medical practitioner to relocate the needle.