I am keen to hear what others are doing = particularly in paediatrics with regard to blood collection from a CVC and whether blood is discarded - our current policy is to draw off 5 mL and discard - not great for children - but have been asked to find the evidence to help change the policy - our head of Biochemistry is concerned because the labs continued to get contaminated specimens so was keen to see the 5 mL stay - but is happy if I can provide alternate evidence - I have checked the SOP but its not directly mentioned but I do need to read that document more - happy to hear from anyone with comments and maybe guidelines for children's hospitals would be great too. thanks... Karen