c4-LABELING AND POSTPROCEDURE CARE.docx

LABELING AND POSTPROCEDURE CARE =============================== Specimen labeling ----------------- Label all specimens in front of the patient, before leaving the room or having the patient leave the area. Place labels on all specimens that you collect. Do not put labels on for another phlebotomi...

LABELING AND POSTPROCEDURE CARE =============================== Specimen labeling ----------------- Label all specimens in front of the patient, before leaving the room or having the patient leave the area. Place labels on all specimens that you collect. Do not put labels on for another phlebotomist or let someone else label your specimens. If there are more tubes than labels, a label may be created. Using only pen or marker (no pencil), write the patient\'s full name, date of birth, date, time, and medical number. Make sure that any information that is added to the label (time, initials) is written legibly. Unless otherwise required by the facility, use the 24-hour clock when writing the time on labels. Some facilities prefer the label to be read when the stopper is held in the right hand, and others when the stopper is held in the left hand. Whichever is required, make sure that every label faces the same direction. Make sure that labels do not partially or completely cover the stopper. When the laboratory removes the stopper to process the blood, the label can be ripped off, which can make identification of the specimen difficult. Place the label on the preprinted label. This will make it possible to see the blood in the tube and verify that the tube has been filled completely. Avoid wrinkles or creasing of the label, especially on a barcoded label. Any creases or wrinkles could make it harder for the scanner to read the label. Once the labels have been placed on the tubes, double-check with the patient\'s identifiers or ID band to make sure all the information matches. Postprocedure care ------------------ After every blood collection, it is important to know the status of the patient. Make sure that adequate pressure has been placed on the collection site to stop bleeding and help prevent bruising. When the patient has stopped bleeding, place a bandage, self-adhering bandage, or tape and gauze on the site. The type of dressing can be determined by the facility but try to use the best type for the patient\'s condition. To promote hemostasis and help prevent bruising, it is important to use a pressure bandage. To apply a pressure bandage, provide adequate gauze padding and pull the tape or bandage firmly enough to make the bandage taut. Self-adhering bandages are recommended for older adult patients, whose skin can tear easily with tape. Also use self-adhering bandages on arms that have a large amount of hair to avoid painful removal of the bandage. For children, use bandages that are appropriate for their age. Observe the patient\'s body for any indication that they are experiencing a complication. Look at their face for any color changes or for excessive sweating. Listen for labored breathing and not only to the answers to questions, but how they answer the questions. While listening to the patient\'s words, determine if they seem short of breath or confused, or if they are talking much more or much less than when the collection started. When it appears that the patient is not experiencing any complications, they may be left alone. In an inpatient setting, look around the area to make sure that no garbage is left on or around the bed. A needle cap left in a child\'s bed can be a choking hazard; a needle cap in an older adult patient\'s bed can lead to a bed sore. If the patient\'s bed rails were lowered, make sure to raise them again before you leave the room. In an outpatient setting, look for and clear all garbage from the area to reduce tripping hazards and make the area look clean for the next patient. If the patient has any difficulty in movement, provide assistance as needed to help keep the patient safe when they leave the facility.