Exam Info

Being Hard on Your Clients About Blood Sticks

There's no "one" secret to getting a good blood draw. A number of factors work to make it easy on you, and (relatively ... ) pain-free for the one you're sticking.

But resting the arm on a hard surface is right up there in the top five.

Why? Because when someone's arm is on a soft surface (such as their knee or a pillow) or not on a surface at all (here I'm thinking about folks who want to hold their elbow cupped in their other hand), there's a tendency for the arm to move. Ever so slightly. But move it will. And when it moves, that vein you've got for a target will move too. Ever so slightly. But often just enough to cause you to miss.

Resting the arm on a hard, elevated surface will help you to have successful blood draws. A stack of books would work. Or a hard arm of a sofa or chair. Actually, a sharps container works great, but it's kind of weird, and I don't recommend it.

But just be sure to give your clients a hard time. They'll be glad you did. : )

posted by Jim Huffman @ 11:13 AM