Infant Blood Collection

Collecting Blood on Newborns   Here’s a quick refresher on collecting blood on babies. The recommended location for blood collection on a newborn is the bottom of the heel – it has the best capillary bed.   After positively identifying the patient, pre-warm the infant's heel (no hotter than 42 degrees Celsius for 3 to 5 minutes) to increase the flow of blood. The blood specimen must be collected immediately after the warming, to...

What OSHA Has to Say about Employers, Needles, & Safety

Is My Employer Breaking the Rules?   Every so often, particularly after a “close call” with a needle procedure, the question arises in a medical technician’s mind, “Is my employer...

Simulation Technology Arrives for Phlebotomists

Beginners & Experts Can Sharpen Their Skills   Just when you think you’ve seen everything, there’s a new simulation program just for honing your phlebotomy skills. This cool gadget carries...

Iowa Court Okays Phlebotomists to Draw Blood for DUIs

The Case that Got Thrown Out   Jerel Green was injured in a single-vehicle accident and was transported to a hospital for treatment.  The circumstances of the crash led the police to believe...

The Dangers Lurking in the World of Phlebotomy

Blood Tube Holders: One Use Only   The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), headquartered in Landover, Maryland, has issued a safety alert regarding tube holders. The NPA completed a study...

The Legal Troubles Facing Phlebotomists

What Can Go Wrong?  Negligence is the major reason that a phlebotomist’s employer can be sued. For example, one recent successful lawsuit was the result of the technician failing to confirm...