Obtaining pediatric blood samples
I am posting this question for a colleague. Thanks in advance for any info!
For pediatric patients, how do you generally obtain blood samples if a central
line is not available?
A. needle stick
B. Heel stick
C. hep lock
D. peripheral line
We have a pediatric phlebotomy team when labs are ordered. For therapeutic drug levels and blood sugars, the bedside RN will do a finger or heel stick. Alternatively, my IV team obtains blood samples during IV insertion. OR the physician may sometimes do a venous or arterial puncture, or in critical care, place an arterial line. We sometimes put in blood drawing IVs [22gauge and larger] if a patient has short term blood sampling needs for q6 hour or more often labs, such as a new diabetic or a child on a heparin infusion or a new leukemic getting q 6 hour lysis labs or for studies requiring frequent draws. Anne Marie Frey RN, BSN, CRNI
Clinical Nurse Level Four
Vascular Access Service: I.V. Team
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Anne Marie Frey RN, BSN, CRNI, VA-BC Clinical Expert Vascular Access Service: I.V. Team The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia [email protected]