Procedure for Phlebotomy Adverse reaction:

Immediate assistance should be available to care for Patient who experience adverse reactions from phlebotomy. Minor adverse

reactions include hematomas, abrasions, nausea, and fainting. Reactions such as vomiting, nerve damage, seizures and injuries are

examples of more serious adverse complications. .

Examples of more serious adverse complications are

1. Syncope (Fainting) or Unexpected Non responsiveness

� To prevent the incidence of syncope (fainting), ask the patient how they are feeling and if they ever had a tendency to faint.

Where practical, have the Patient lay down (face up ) to perform the collection.

� If patient faint, discontinue the phlebotomy immediately removing the tourniquet and needle carefully. Apply pressure to the

Venipuncture site while lowering his/her head,

� Inform patient attendee immediately . Refer to the near by physician in case of further assistance.

� Loosen tight clothing and apply a wet towel to the back of their neck

2. Nausea

� Patient may present with nausea unrelated to any blood collection procedure. Ask the Patient how they are feeling - if they

would prefer ( or could) delay the blood collection until they feel better

� If the collection must take place, make the Patient as comfortable as possible.

� Instruct the Patient to breathe deeply and slowly.

� Apply cold compresses to the patient’s forehead.

� Inform patient attendee immediately . Refer to the near by physician in case of further assistance

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3. Vomiting

� Give the patient emesis basin or other container, and have tissues ready.

� Give the patient water to rinse out his/her mouth

� Inform patient attendee immediately . Refer to the near by physician in case of further assistance.

4. Nerve Injury

� Since nerves are very close to veins, there is some risk a nerve may be pierced by a needle during blood collection. Prevention of

nerve damage lies in the careful and proper assessment of vein location and depth.

� Should the patient suddenly complain of extreme and/or shooting pain, discontinue the phlebotomy immediately.

� Inform patient attendee immediately . Refer to the near by physician in case of further assistance.

5. Seizures/ Convulsions

� Inform patient attendee immediately . Refer to the near by physician in case of further assistance

� Prevent the Patient from injuring himself/herself. Do not restrain the movements of the patient’s extremities completely, but try to

prevent him/her from being injured.

� Cushion their head, remove glasses and loosen tight clothing.

6. Hematoma - Injuries to Patient

� To prevent or lessen the incidence of hematoma formation ask the patient if they are on any anticoagulants/ blood thinners/

anti-platelet medications. These patient’s will require extra time and attention following their phlebotomy.

� Remove the tourniquet and the needle from arm.

� Place 3 or 4 gauze squares over the hematoma and apply firm pressure for 5 - 10 minutes with the patient’s arm held above the

heart level

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