• Dispose of used needles in the proper receptacle immediately after use.Injection with Blood 3 image by Svenja98 from Fotolia.com
  
  If you're squeamish, steer clear, because many folks find this practice a bit nerve-wracking. Phlebotomy is the act of drawing blood from a patient for tests or blood banking. To avoid the much-dreaded problem of sticking a patient repeatedly with needles without ever drawing a drop, phlebotomists can learn several simple techniques and tricks for improved accuracy and patient comfort. It is imperative for phlebotomists to keep safety in mind when dealing with hazardous material like blood samples.
  
  

Choosing a Site

• The median cubital vein on the underside of the arm is the most popular for drawing blood because it is relatively large and full. Avoid drawing blood from areas that have a lot of scar tissue or hematoma or are at the site of a prior mastectomy. Feel for cord-like areas in the arm before puncturing to make sure the patient does not have thrombosis, or hardened veins. Massage the arm if the veins are not visible or palpable; this practice should make the veins more apparent for easy blood draw.
  
  

Drawing Blood

• There are many techniques you can practice to make your patients more comfortable and calm when drawing blood. Instruct the patient to lie down first, and use butterfly needles with rubber wings to ensure a higher degree of accuracy. Tap or apply pressure to the injection site before using the needle to numb the area and prevent pain. Apply the tourniquet about four inches above the point of injection, but be sure to remove it within two minutes.
  
  

Troubleshooting

• If you are having trouble obtaining a blood sample because no blood is flowing into the tube, move the needle forward or backward. It is possible the needle has penetrated too deeply or not enough. Adjust the angle of the needle so it is not pressed against the wall of the vein. To prevent a hematoma from developing, make sure to apply pressure to the site and fully puncture the vein wall. Do not pull the plunger back too quickly.
  
  

Phlebotomist Safety

• Remember that blood carries disease. It is important to always wear gloves when handling a patient's blood. Dispose of contaminated items quickly and properly. Protect your patients by keeping all blood collection equipment away from them, and change gloves each time you draw blood. Never bend or break needles, as they can spray blood and contaminate the room.
  
  

Drawing Blood in Babies

• For infants, always draw blood from the heel. Before doing so, you should warm the infant's heel until it reaches about 42 degrees Celsius because this technique will increase the flow of blood to the feet. Remember that young babies do not always bleed immediately upon being punctured, so you will have to apply gentle pressure to draw blood. Keep the baby's heel raised when you finish to stop the bleeding.