Blood Sample Collection in hospitals (Lab)

Blood Sample Collection

1. Blood Sample Collection Ankur Vashishtha Assistant Professor Department of MLT Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences Sharda University

2. Blood Collection Blood collection is a crucial step in pathology, as it involves taking a blood sample from a patient for testing. This process help diagnose various diseases and monitor the health of patients. The collected blood is carefully analyzed in the laboratory to check for conditions like infections, anemia, and other health issues.

3. Types of blood samples Venous Blood Arterial Blood Capillary Blood Plasma and Serum Whole Blood

4. Venous Blood This is the most common type of blood sample, collected from a vein, usually in the arm. It's used for a wide range of tests, including blood chemistry, blood cell counts, and hormone levels.

5. Arterial Blood Collected from an artery, this type of sample is mainly used to measure blood gases and pH levels, providing information about lung function and oxygenation.

6. Differences Between Arteries and Veins Arteries Veins Function carry oxygenated blood except for pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood except for pulmonary veins Walls Thicker and highly muscular. Thinner and less muscular. Position Located deep within the body. Peripherally located closer to the skin. Appearance Red in colour. Blue in colour. Transport Carry blood away from the heart to various parts of the body. Carry blood towards the heart from the various parts of the body. Rate of Pressure High pressure Low pressure Oxygen Level Higher oxygen level. Low oxygen level. CO 2 Level Low High Lumen Narrow. wide Valves Absent Present

7. Capillary Blood This is collected from the capillaries, typically by pricking the fingertip, heel, or earlobe. It's often used for quick tests like blood sugar monitoring, especially in diabetes management.

8. Plasma and Serum After blood is drawn, it can be processed to separate the plasma (the liquid portion) or serum (plasma without clotting factors). These are used for various biochemical tests, including those for electrolytes, enzymes, and proteins.

9. D ifference between plasma and serum Plasma Serum Transparent , Straw- coloured , Liquid portion of the blood Undiluted fluid, extracellular portion blood Composed of serum and clotting factor Part of the Blood which lacks clotting factor It is acquired after centrifuging blood within the anticoagulant It is acquired after centrifuging of coagulated blood. Anticoagulant is required to obtain plasma from the blood sample Anticoagulant is not required to separate the serum from the blood sample 55 % of the total volume of Blood < Volume compression to plasma Comparatively easier and less time is required to separate the plasma from the blood sample. Difficult to separate serum from the blood sample. It is a time-consuming process. Contains fibrinogen. Lacks fibrinogen. Consists of 92% water with proteins, salts, lipids, and glucose. Consists of 90% water with dissolved hormones, proteins, minerals, and carbon dioxide. long shelf life. It can be preserved up to ten years. short shelf life. It can be preserved only for a few months.

10. Whole Blood This sample includes all components of blood—red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma—and is used for tests like complete blood counts (CBC) and blood grouping.

11. Best Practices for Blood Sample Collection Confirm Identity : Always double-check the patient's name and details. Hand Hygiene : Wash hands and wear gloves before starting. Use the Right Equipment : Choose the correct needle and tubes for the test. Proper Site Selection : Pick the best vein or site for the blood draw. Apply Tourniquet : Use the tourniquet correctly but not for too long. Label Samples Immediately : Write the patient's details on the tubes right away. Handle with Care : Transport the samples quickly and correctly to the lab.

12. Methods of Blood Collection Venipuncture : Blood drawn from a vein, usually in the arm. Most common method. Arterial Puncture : Blood drawn from an artery, often used for gas tests. Capillary Collection : Blood collected from a finger or heel prick, used for quick tests. Bone Marrow Aspiration : A small amount of bone marrow is collected for specific tests.

13. Requirements for Blood Sample Collection Patient Information : Ensure correct patient details are recorded. Sterile Equipment : Use clean and sterile needles, tubes, and gloves. Tourniquet : Needed to help find the vein. Labels : Proper labeling for all blood samples. Gauze and Bandages : To stop bleeding after the blood draw. Proper Handling : Quick and careful transport to the lab.

14. Venous Blood Collection Sites Median Cubital Vein : Located in the inner elbow. Most common and easiest site to access. Cephalic Vein : Found on the outer side of the forearm. Useful if the median cubital vein is difficult to access. Basilic Vein : Located on the inner side of the forearm. Often used when other veins are not suitable.

15. Venous Blood Collection Prepare : Wash hands, wear gloves.

16. Apply Tourniquet : Above the chosen vein to make it more visible.

17. Clean Site : Wipe with an alcohol swab and let it dry.

18. Insert Needle : Gently insert needle into the vein.

19. Collect Blood : Attach and fill collection tubes.

20. Remove Needle : Apply pressure with gauze and remove the needle. Label and Bandage : Label the tubes and place a bandage on the site

21. Arterial Blood Collection Select the Artery: Common sites include the radial artery (preferred), brachial artery, or femoral artery.

22. Clean the Site: Use an alcohol swab to clean the site in a circular motion from the center outward. Allow it to dry completely to avoid contamination.

23. Apply Pressure: Palpate the artery to locate it. Apply gentle pressure to stabilize the artery.

24. Insert the Needle: Use a sterile needle at a 30-45 degree angle to the skin. Insert it quickly and smoothly into the artery until blood begins to flow into the syringe. Avoid excessive movement to prevent damage to the artery.

25. Withdraw the Needle: Once the required amount of blood is collected, gently withdraw the needle while applying pressure with a gauze pad to prevent bleeding. Secure the Site: Apply pressure to the puncture site for at least 5 minutes to ensure hemostasis. Apply a bandage if necessary.

26. Label the Sample: Label the syringe immediately with the patient’s information, date, and time of collection. Transport the Sample: Ensure the sample is transported to the laboratory promptly to prevent changes in gas levels. Follow-Up Monitor the Patient: Observe the patient for any adverse reactions or complications.

27. Capillary Blood Collection Clean the Site: Choose the fingertip or heel (for infants) as the collection site. Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it dry.

28. Prepare the Lancet: Open the lancet package. Use a lancet designed for capillary blood collection.

29. Puncture the Skin: Hold the finger or heel firmly. Use the lancet to make a quick, gentle puncture on the side of the fingertip or heel.

30. Collect the Blood: Allow a small drop of blood to form. Touch the drop of blood to the collection tube or blood spot card, depending on the test requirements.

31. Apply Pressure: Use a clean gauze or cotton ball to apply gentle pressure to the puncture site to stop the bleeding. Dispose of the Lancet: Safely dispose of the used lancet in a sharps container. Record the Sample: Label the sample with the patient’s details. Ensure all necessary information is recorded. Clean Up: Wash hands again. Clean and disinfect the work area.