Exploring training phlebotomists to use ultrasound on difficult access patients - for labs draws. Wondering what equipment people are using for lab draws with ultrasound- finding only 3/4" length butterfly needles with our purchasing department inquiry. Thanks much, Amy K
US gives access to deep veins and not just superficial veins. I would not put this in the hands of any unlicensed assistive personnel. Near infrared light devices are used to identify superfical veins and could be used by UAPs. Deep veins are more dangerous, due to nerves and arteries. I would also recommend checking with the agency in your state that regulates phlebotomists and what their legal scope of practice is. Are there any studies of UAPs using US for blood sampling?
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Thanks Lynn. Our laboraroty services recieved a grant for ultrasound technology to assist with difficult access. However, since the phlebotomy standards of practice call for a low stick angle (30 degrees) to prevent injury - i think the US could only be used as a glorified vein finder - to find difficult to find - superficial veins. Good point regarding the studies, I don't find any regarding UAPs using US for blood sampling. I am aware of other facilities using for pedicatric blood sampling - but perhaps again - low stick angle where they can only access superficial vines v. 75 degree angle with 3/4' butterfly to access .5cm. Thank you for your input! Amy
Amy Kyes
Thanks Lynn. Our laboraroty services recieved a grant for ultrasound technology to assist with difficult access. However, since the phlebotomy standards of practice call for a low stick angle (30 degrees) to prevent injury - i think the US could only be used as a glorified vein finder - to find difficult to find - superficial veins. Good point regarding the studies, I don't find any regarding UAPs using US for blood sampling. I am aware of other facilities using for pedicatric blood sampling - but perhaps again - low stick angle where they can only access superficial vines v. 75 degree angle with 3/4' butterfly to access .5cm. Thank you for your input! Amy
Amy Kyes
I just read a study training ER techs to start PIVs with US, but have never seen anything about phlebotomists using US. US use for superficial veins is not wonderful and is usually best for anything deeper than 1 cm. Near infrared light is best for less than 1 cm depth. Maybe you are correct about limiting length of needle to prevent them from going for deep veins. But I would still make sure they knew what to do if they hit a nerve. US anatomical studies now show that nerves can be located on all sides of superfical veins. Good luck with your grant and hope results get published.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Thanks! On a journey with this one. Amy
Amy Kyes