Evaluation on Evacuated Tube System CHECKLIST

• Examines requisition form
• Greets patient and states procedure to be done
• Identifies patient verbally
• Examines patient's ID band
• Compares requisition information to ID band
• Selects correct tubes and equipment for procedure
• Washes hands
• Puts on gloves
• Positions patient's arm
• Applies tourniquet
• Identifies vein by palpation
• Releases tourniquet
• Cleanses site and allows it to air dry
• Assembles equipment
• Reapplies tourniquet
• Does not touch puncture site with unclean finger
• Removes needle cap and examines the needle
• Anchors vein below puncture site
• Smoothly enters appropriate vein at an angle with bevel up
• Does not move needle when changing tubes
• Collects tubes in correct order
• Mixes tubes promptly
• Fills tubes completely
• Releases tourniquet within 1 minute
• Removes last tube collected from holder
• Covers puncture site with gauze
• Removes the needle smoothly and applies pressure
• Activates any safety feature
• Disposes needle in the sharps container with the safety device activated and attached to the holder
• Labels tubes
• Confirms labeled tube to the patient ID band or has patient verified that the information is correct
• Examines puncture site
• Applies bandage
• Disposes used supplies
• Removes gloves and washes hands
• Thanks patient
• Converses appropriately with patient during the procedure

SYRINGE VS. EVACUATED TUBE SYSTEM: Pros and Cons

Just before I get blood from my patients, I always ask myself on what method should I use to ensure a successful venipuncture. It's after vein assessment that I decide what to use and based from my experience, I've come to realize that both the syringe method and ETS (evacuated tube system) have their own advantages and drawbacks. Check this out!

I've always loved using syringes. I feel safe when using them. This is when I hear compliments such as "It's not painful' or 'I didn't feel anything..Thank you'..

SYRINGE

Registered trademark of Terumo Corporation

1. PROS

• with backflow
• less painful
• you can change the needle gauge for smaller/thinner veins
• can be maneuvered

    2. CONS

• limited amount of blood 
• time consuming in transfering blood from one tube to another
• 10cc plungers are hard to pull and agent for short draws
• needle pricks
• cause for platelet clumps if blood is not transferred immediately

On the other hand, when times are busy, I use ETS! I realize you have to be sure when doing ETS method or else YOU'LL BE SORRY it didn't turn out so well.

EVACUATED TUBE SYSTEM

Registered trademark of Becton-Dickinson Company

1. PROS

• faster way of collecting blood
• with safety feature included
• recommended for multi-sample draws
• suitable for tests requiring closed system method of venipuncture (eg Ammonia, Carbon dioxide)
• reduces the risk of hemolysis

    2. CONS

• proper order of draw should be strictly observed
• not recommended for newborn or pedia patients
• not suitable for easily collapsed veins
• might not get the appropriate amount if vacuum tubes are expired or opened already
• would mostly leave hematoma on the skin

It's all in your hands what to use during your shift but one must consider convenience both for you and to the patient, It's always been like that from the start. So think and use these weapons wisely :-)