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Occupational Health & Safety (Expert Forum)
venipuncture procedure
Answered by
Philip Parks, MD - Occupational Safety, Occupational Health, Travel Medicine, Environmental Health
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding Occupational Health & Safety questions pertaining to: Blood Borne Exposures (Needle sticks), Chemical Safety-Spills-Exposure, Confined Spaces, Corporate Planning, Ergonomics, Fire Safety-Exposure, Industrial Hygiene, Hazard Communication, Hazardous Material Handling and Shipping, Health and Productivity Management, Indoor Air Quality, Injuries in the workplace, Noise-induced hearing loss, Nanotechnology and your health, Occupational Asthma, Pandemic Influenza (“FLU”), Personal Protective Equipment, Risk Communication, Safe Lifting Techniques, Workers compensation
venipuncture procedure
by mpleta, Apr 10, 2008 12:16PM
My question pertains to technique. When performing a blood draw using a butterfly needle and vacutainer on the dorsal part of the hand, is it okay to withdraw the needle attached to a partially filled tube with vacuum? Of course the torniquet has been removed and it is the end of the draw. Wouldn't this method collapse the vein and be harmful potentially to the patient?
I always pull the tube out of the holder and withdraw the needle because of fear that I may damage some tissue, etc of my patient. However, I am informed that pulling the tube out is the last step with butterfly needle draws on the fragile veins of the hand. First, pull the torniquet, then needle with vacutainer tube attached (sometimes with vacuum still in the tubes), then finally disengage the vacutainer tube.
Would appreciate a response.
I always pull the tube out of the holder and withdraw the needle because of fear that I may damage some tissue, etc of my patient. However, I am informed that pulling the tube out is the last step with butterfly needle draws on the fragile veins of the hand. First, pull the torniquet, then needle with vacutainer tube attached (sometimes with vacuum still in the tubes), then finally disengage the vacutainer tube.
Would appreciate a response.
Doctor's Answer
by Philip Parks, MD, Apr 13, 2008 10:44PM
, Apr 13, 2008 10:44PM
To: mpleta
Dr. Parks will reply to your message on 4/15 when he returns to the office.
I would not recommend withdrawing a butterfly needle that is attached to a partially filled tube with a vacuum for the reason that you describe.
~•~ Dr. Parks
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.