Patient Care: Special Patient Procedures

Blood should not be drawn from arms with IVs

  • Blood drawn from veins with intravenous lines (IVs) may be diluted by the IV fluids. Arms containing IVs should therefore not be used to draw blood specimens. 
  • If an arm with an IV line in place must be used for venipuncture, be sure to choose a site below the location of the IV, so that the specimen will not be diluted with IV fluids.

Earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.® credits for your state clinical laboratory personnel license. Visit LabCE.com for medical laboratory technician continuing education.

Phlebotomy course details »

Learn more about medical technologist continuing education for MTs, MLTs, and other lab personnel »

Get information on laboratory safety training for clinical and medical laboratories »