Case Studies: Case Study 12

Discussion

  • Insufficient blood volume may cause erroneous test results, and specimen rejection. When blood flow stops, it can mean several things:
  • The bevel of the needle may be pressed against the wall of the blood vessel. If this is the case, moving the needle slightly may cause blood to begin flowing again.
  • The vein may have collapsed due to the vacuum of the tube. If moving the needle slightly does not re-establish blood flow, you will have to recollect the patient.
  • The needle may have gone all the way through the vein. Pulling the needle back slightly may cause blood to resume flowing.
  • The tube you are using may have insufficient vacuum. Try another tube. Never vigorously probe the patient’s arm with a needle. At the first sign of discomfort the needle should be withdrawn. The patient may then be redrawn be yourself or another phlebotomist.
  • Relevant topics: Insufficient volume, Partial collection tubes, What if no blood flows

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