Blood Sampling/ Phlebotomy

Blood for analysis may be obtained from veins, arteries or capillaries. Venous blood is the specimen of choice for the vast majority of tests performed by Eurofins and only venepuncture will be dealt with here.

1. Before collecting any blood specimen, the person administering phlebotomy should wash his/her hands, wear white coats or similar protective clothing and put on disposable gloves.
2. Sample containers should be carefully labelled with two unique identifiers.
3. Verify that the patient is fasting, if fasting is a requirement for the requested tests.
4. Ensure that a sufficient number of tubes are prepared for the required test. Select an appropriate size needle for the vein to be punctured.
5. The patient’s arm should be extended in a straight line at a 45° angle from the shoulder to the wrist.
6. The median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa is the preferred site for blood collection in adults,
7. Apply a tourniquet 3 to 4 inches above the intended puncture site to obstruct return of venous blood to the heart and to distend the veins. The tourniquet should not be left tightened for more than one minute, and the patient should NOT pump the fist while the tourniquet is in place. This is essential to avoid haemolysis of the sample and errors due to fluid, protein and electrolyte shifts in the occluded vein. It is especially important when taking blood for cholesterol testing.
8. The area around the intended puncture site must be cleaned with an alcohol swab, wiping in a circular motion from the site outwards. The site must be allowed to air-dry before sampling, as alcohol may cause haemolysis of the sample. If blood is being taken for alcohol testing, an alcohol swab must NOT be used; instead use an alcohol-free benzalkonium chloride solution. Once the skin has been cleaned, it should not be touched again until after the venepuncture has been completed.
9. Insert the needle into the vein, and take blood samples in the following order:
1. Biochemistry tubes (clotted blood)
2. FBC tubes (EDTA blood)
3. Glucose tubes (fluoride blood)
   All tubes with additives (EDTA-lavendar top, heparin-green top, and glucose-grey top, for example) must be completely filled.

10. When blood collection is complete, the tourniquet should be loosened, then the needle withdrawn from the vein. When the needle has been withdrawn, a dry gauze swab must be held firmly over the puncture site for a few minutes. A small plaster can then be placed over the site.
11. After sampling, sharps should be disposed in an appropriate manner into a designated container.

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