Are there any hospitals out there that have a policy or procedure that dedicates specific colored lumens for specific therapy? Such as TPN only may be attached to the white lumen?
I am sure there are hospitals with similar practices. The decision about what lumen to use for what therapy is guided by 2 factors - internal diameter of the lumens and the staggering of the lumen exit sites if this is present. Blood draws are done from the larger lumen diameter. If your catheter has staggered exit sites, the one that is highest in the SVC should be used for blood draws. Each catheter manufacturer may have differing recommendations, so you should check the instructions for use for the specific brands of catheter you are using. There are booklets that come in each catheter package. Also, there is no standardization on the hub colors, so you will need to refer to these instructions.
To ensure that you are drawing your sample from above the other lumens being used for infusion. You will probably stop those infusions, but this is just another precaution to prevent contaminating the blood sample with the fluid being infused.
I am sure there are hospitals with similar practices. The decision about what lumen to use for what therapy is guided by 2 factors - internal diameter of the lumens and the staggering of the lumen exit sites if this is present. Blood draws are done from the larger lumen diameter. If your catheter has staggered exit sites, the one that is highest in the SVC should be used for blood draws. Each catheter manufacturer may have differing recommendations, so you should check the instructions for use for the specific brands of catheter you are using. There are booklets that come in each catheter package. Also, there is no standardization on the hub colors, so you will need to refer to these instructions.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
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
Lynn,
In a staggered catheter, what is the reason for collecting blood samples from the proximal port?
Angelo M. Aguila, MSN, RN, VA-BC
Vascular Access Nurse
[email protected]
To ensure that you are drawing your sample from above the other lumens being used for infusion. You will probably stop those infusions, but this is just another precaution to prevent contaminating the blood sample with the fluid being infused.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
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