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Use of Standard Precautions in Venipuncture
As per the guidelines from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) several disease-specific precautionary policies for patients known to be or suspected of being infected with certain pathogens are recommended to be followed by phlebotomists. Universal standard precautions assume that all specimens are potentially infectious and should be handled accordingly.
It is assumed that every direct contact with body fluids is potentially infectious as per protocols for infection control in Standard precautions. Cross-transmission and exposure of the skin and mucous membranes to infectious microbes can be prevented by avoiding direct contact with patient specimens and every possible precaution for barrier protection are taken when contact cannot be avoided.
Every phlebotomist should exercise certain consistent precautions on a routine basis. These standard precautions recognize the infectious potential of any patient specimen and prevent cross-transmission of infectious disease to patients and the protect laboratory personnel from infected patients.
Potential exposure to HBV is prevented by recommended use of a licensed inactivated vaccine (HB). As a precautionary step for persons who are at a greater risk for Hepatitis B infection i.e. clinical laboratory workers, phlebotomists, and pathologists, use of this vaccine is recommended by CDCs advisory committee on immunization practices.
To eliminate the risk of infections, other safe work practices for phlebotomists handling blood specimens or other samples are:
- To disrupt transmission of infectious pathogens frequent hand washing according to the procedure - Eating, drinking, smoking should be prohibited in lab area. - Gloves, gowns, lab coats, masks, eye protectors, etc. Personal Protective Equipment used as required - Clean up any infectious fluids/blood spills immediately and minimize aerosolization - Waste disposal measures as recommended by OSHA and NCCLS are followed. Puncture"resistant sharps containers are used to dispose disposable syringes and needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp items. - Needles should not be recapped by hand, purposely bent or broken by hand, removed from disposable syringes, or otherwise manipulated by hand to prevent needle stick injuries. - Prophylactic measures for pre-exposure and post-exposure for handling potential occupational transmission of certain pathogens should be known by phlebotomist.
A professional phlebotomist should be knowledgeable in general safety regulations governing the clinical laboratory, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) mandated plans for chemical hygiene and for occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens, the importance of safety manual, and general emergency procedures.
The disposal of sharps has always been a hazardous procedure for all health care staff. It is important to be aware of the risks involved in venipuncture. It is recommended that all health care professionals who carry out the procedure should be properly trained and makes use of a closed system-letting device, e.g. Vacutainers.
Action to be taken in the Case of a Needle-Stick Injury:
- Bleeding should be encouraged from the injury - Injured site should be washed with water and disinfected. - Suitable dressing should cover the site - A note of patients name, identification should be made - Incident reporting procedure should be followed - Injuries should be always reported to lab manager - Needle stick should be reported to Occupational Health, GP or Accident and Emergency Department as appropriate.
Accredited phlebotomist technician programs teach all of the necessary techniques and procedures needed to be a competent and skilled phlebotomist. Some of the subjects in phlebotomy training courses are: Anatomy and physiology, Blood and cell composition, Blood sampling procedures, Laboratory safety, and CPR. Other phlebotomy courses that might be included in training program are: Professional behavior, Quality control, Legal issues, Computer training. Each phlebotomy training school will offer something a little different depending upon the regulations and training for work settings.
About the Author London, UK: Maxis Healthcare Limited run professional 1 Day Fasttrack Phlebotomy Training Courses. Learn Exactly What is Phlebotomy And Get Phlebotomy Certification From Phlebotomy Trainers With Over 30 Years Practical Experience and a FREE 10 Day Phelebotomy Taster Course.
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