Blood Sampling And Vascular Access

HEEL Prick or

FINGER prick

Indications

Blood sampling in infants for laboratory studies unaffected by hemolysis.

Complications

Infection, bleeding, osteomyelitis.

Procedure

Warm heel or finger.

Clean with alcohol.

Puncture heel using a lancet on the lateral part of the heel, avoiding the posterior area.

Puncture finger using a lancet on the palmar lateral surface of the finger near the tip.

Wipe away the first drop of blood, then collect the sample using a capillary tube or container.

Alternate between squeezing blood from the leg toward the heel (or from the hand toward the finger) and then releasing the pressure for several seconds.

INTRAVENOUS PLACEMENT AND ACCESS SITES

Indications

To obtain access to peripheral venous circulation to deliver fluid, medications, or blood products.

Complications

Thrombosis.

Infection.

Procedure

Choose IV placement site and prepare with alcohol

Apply tourniquet and then insert IV catheter, bevel up, at angle almost parallel to the skin, advancing until “flash” of blood is seen in the catheter hub

Advance the plastic catheter only, remove the needle, and secure the catheter.

Attach T connector filled with saline to the catheter, flush with several mL of normal saline (NS) to ensure patency of the IV line.