TRAINED PHLEBOTOMIST
We require a trained Phlebotomist for 12 hours per week - Mornings only
Application form available on our website
www.heathvillesurgery.co.uk or apply in writing with your C.V to
Mrs C R Barnfield
5 Heathville Road
Gloucester
GL1 3DP
Closing date: 28th June 2010
Blood taking procedure
Taking blood samples may result from either a request by a G.P. or when following protocols for disease management or prevention.
The patient can expect to be made welcome, comfortable and to be fully informed throughout the procedure.
The requesting Doctor can expect to be informed if a sample has not been obtained or if there are any other problems.
The phlebotomist or nurse (the practitioner) can expect to be made aware of any relevant information about the patient prior to taking the sample of blood.
Venepuncture is a potentially hazardous procedure and all care should be taken whilst ensuring the patients comfort and confidence.
Anyone undertaking Venepuncture should be fully immunised against Hepatitis B.
Those undertaking Venepuncture must have relevant qualifications or experience.
CLINICAL INSTRUCTIONS
Requesting G.P.s will ensure the blood requests are entered on the notes and that the forms are ready.
It is the responsibility of the phlebtomist to ensure the completion of all details including checking the patient’s full name, DOB, and address. Where tests are initiated from disease prevention or management then request forms will need to be completed by the practitioner following the relevant protocols.
Items used for the invasive part of the procedure will be sterile single use items and others clinically clean. Phlebotomists are responsible for ensuring that such supplies are available.
Entry for venepuncture should be as quick and painless as possible.
Entry through the skin should only be considered if a vein is either palpable or visible. (Not more than three attempts should be made at venepuncture.)
The needle should be exposed for as short a time as possible prior to venepuncture.
PATIENT PROCEDURE
The patient is reassured and invited to make themselves comfortable whilst allowing access to a suitable site for venepuncture.
Necessary items are brought to the area of work.
The needle is attached to the holder or syringe.
The details of the procedure are explained to the patient. (The patient may have previous experience of venepuncture and need very little explanation)
A tourniquet is applied.
The needle is introduced into the vein, care is taken to avoid puncturing both sides of the vein.
Vaccutainer bottles are introduced into the holder and blood is drawn directly into the vaccutainer (or syringe.)
The exchange of vaccutainers is smooth and the final blood tube must be removed prior to the needle being withdrawn from the vein.
The tourniquet is removed as soon as possible.
Withdrawal of the needle from the vein is smooth but not dragging, cotton wool should be applied to the site with firm pressure, often by the patient.
A small dressing or pressure dressing can be applied in necessary.
Introduction of blood into a tube from a syringe should not be made through a needle but directly from the syringe.
Needles should be disposed of directly following venepuncture. Disposal of sharps should be directly into the sharps box; other contaminants are transferred to the clinical waste bags.
COMPLETION OF CLINICAL PROCEDURE.
Filled blood tubes are fully labelled.
Specimens are placed into the envelope attached to the form.
Data is entered onto the computer. (not necessary as entry already made).
Patients are asked to contact the surgery in 7 days days unless the Doctor has specifically requested to see them within 1 week. Written information is available.
Samples are deposited ready for collection.
Any needle stick injuries should be reported to a senior member of staff and a Doctor as soon as possible.
Practitioners retain the right to refuse to perform phlebotomy on any patient.
If patients are referred to another practitioner or Doctor for phlebotomy, details of why must be given to that practitioner prior to the patient’s attendance.
Domiciliary and hospital phlebotomy services are available if appropriate.
Any patient who has fainted during the procedure should be asked to stay on the premises for 15 minutes to ensure episode does not occur again.
