QA In Phlebotomy- Policy

The maximum number of attempts at drawing a patient allowed is 2. This means that if the healthcare professional is unable to draw blood from the patient after 2 attempts, they should stop trying and seek assistance from someone else or consider alternative methods for drawing blood. This limit helps prevent unnecessary discomfort and potential complications for the patient.

The correct answer is "After collection and in the presence of the patient." It is important to label the blood tubes after collecting the blood and in the presence of the patient to ensure accuracy and avoid any mix-ups or misidentification. Labeling the tubes before drawing the blood may lead to confusion if multiple patients are being tested at the same time. Labeling after the collection and after the patient leaves or while the patient is in the bathroom can also increase the risk of mislabeling or misplacing the samples. Therefore, labeling in the presence of the patient after the collection is the most appropriate and reliable option.

A tourniquet should not be left on a patient for more than 1 minute because prolonged use can lead to tissue damage and ischemia. Tourniquets are typically used to restrict blood flow during medical procedures, and exceeding the recommended time limit can result in complications such as nerve damage or skin necrosis. Therefore, it is crucial to remove the tourniquet promptly after its intended use to ensure patient safety and minimize potential harm.

Drawing blood from a fistula or shunt is not acceptable. Fistulas and shunts are created surgically to provide access for dialysis or medication administration. Drawing blood from these sites can disrupt the flow of blood and cause complications such as infection or clotting. It is important to use alternative sites for blood draws to ensure the safety and integrity of the fistula or shunt.

After a double mastectomy, the lymphatic system may be affected, leading to lymphedema in the arm on the side of the oldest mastectomy. To avoid further complications, it is acceptable to draw blood from the back of the hand on the oldest mastectomy side. This location is less likely to cause damage or exacerbate lymphedema compared to drawing blood from the antecubital fossa or the hand on the newest mastectomy side. The foot draw option is not appropriate for this situation.