Venepuncture

Prep

• Consent and explain procedure
• Hand hygiene, non-sterile gloves
• Select appropriate tubes for tests ordered
• Tourniquet 10-15cm proximal

<Diagram src="/figures/skills/arm-veins-openstax.jpg" alt="Upper limb veins for venepuncture" caption="Veins of the upper limb: cephalic (lateral), basilic (medial), median cubital (antecubital). Image: OpenStax Anatomy & Physiology (CC BY 4.0)" />

Execute

• Palpate vein, select site
• Clean with 2% chlorhexidine, allow to dry
• Anchor vein with non-dominant thumb
• Insert 15-30°, bevel up
• Watch for flashback in hub

Fill Tubes (Order of Draw)

1. Blood cultures (if needed)
2. Light blue (citrate) - coag
3. Red/yellow (serum)
4. Green (lithium heparin)
5. Purple (EDTA)

Finish

• Remove tourniquet, withdraw needle
• Apply pressure 2-3 min (5 min if anticoagulated)
• Label tubes at bedside