From the draw to the laboratory - how to add value at every stage of blood collection process

1. Physician's Instruction and order

One of the first steps in a typical blood collection process is the issuance and receipt of the physician’s order. Digitizing and automating the process from the very first step allows continuous tracking of the time taken to complete each stage, identifies dwell times and provides valuable insight into the overall TAT (turn-around-time). Tracking also provides real-time insight into the associated workloads of the people and departments involved. This data can be used to optimize workflows and identify potential savings.

2. Ensure all the required products are available

Having a portfolio of blood collection products for different patients is essential for a flawless blood collection process – for both the patient and the user. Convenient, easy-to-open packaging and clear labelling can help improve the selection of blood collection products.

Optimized packaging and product design helps to reduce waste volume and associated disposal costs. Providing pre-assembled devices decreases the risk of complications during assembly and frees up time for other tasks. Additionally, not having to touch the individual parts of the device before use facilitates hygienic working and reduces any potential contamination.

Providing safety devices with work-enhancing features can contribute improve the nurse’s productivity, increase confidence and reduce the likelihood of needlestick injuries (NSI) and subsequent costs.  

3. Patient identification and discussion

Approaching and communicating with the patient in a professional and empathetic way is a key factor in making the patient feel comfortable. Some patients may have had bad experiences with previous blood collection procedures, making them particularly nervous and anxious.

Staff who are confident in handling the products they use will pass on that confidence and safety to their patients. Proper training and the use of reliable, high-quality products make it much easier for healthcare professionals to focus on the patient and their needs, rather than worrying about the correct procedure and a product that repeatedly causes problems.

4. Product and puncture site selection based on the patient

One product fits all? Unfortunately not. An important step in successful blood collection is the selection of an appropriate puncture site. Properly trained staff know how to do this. But do they have the most suitable product? Imagine having a patient with a challenging vein condition, but only one specific product is available.

This makes it difficult and sometimes impossible, for staff to perform a flawless blood collection, leaving the patient dissatisfied or even upset – not to mention the stress for the staff dealing with the situation and the resulting fear of facing the same problem again.

In addition, using an unsuitable product can necessitate a redraw if sample quality is affected and rejected by the laboratory (e.g. due to hemolysis). Having a portfolio of products for different vein conditions is therefore necessary to ensure the most comfortable and efficient blood collection for both patient and user.

5. Venipuncture

In an ideal world, the actual venipuncture would be quick and straightforward. However, even the most experienced staff can struggle with challenging veins, nervous patients, unreliable or unsuitable products. The use of ancillary equipment such as the VeinViewer® near-infrared vein visualization device can support an efficient, professional procedure. It may also distract the patient and pique their curiosity if explained how and why it is used. Besides – it is just cool.

6. Disposal

Once the blood sample has been taken, the blood collection device must be immediately disposed of in an appropriate sharps container. The safety mechanism must be activated to help protect both the user and the patient from needlestick injuries. Take a closer look at the mechanism before deciding on a product.

• Is it simple, ergonomic and intuitive to use?
• Is the activation mechanism meant to be activated inside or outside the vein?
• Is there a visual or audible confirmation of successful activation?

A reliable mechanism is essential to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries and associated costs. The above aspects affect not only the user, but also the patient. For a patient, it also makes a difference if the product feels stable and secure and does not cause undue discomfort. In contrast, the patient may feel uncomfortable or even unsafe if the product looks unstable or the safety mechanism is difficult to activate.

Patients with needle phobia will also be reassured if the needle is hidden and not visible after use.

7. Further sample processing and transport

Standard blood collection tubes must be properly labelled before the next steps. Again, a digitized process helps to speed up the workflow. The use of pre-barcoded tubes minimizes the likelihood of sample mix-ups and allows for automated processing and accurate time tracking with an appropriate software solution.

Proper and timely transport and adequate storage of blood samples is essential to ensure high quality samples for laboratory processing. Appropriate storage racks and transport boxes help to ensure sample integrity.

8. Processing in the laboratory

Once the blood sample arrives at the laboratory, it needs to be processed and analyzed. If the previous steps are carried out carefully, the laboratory will also benefit by having to reject fewer samples. If the hemolysis rate is lower, there will be no need for redraws and the analysis results will be reliable, allowing the physician to make a timely diagnosis.

The result is time savings (both materials and staff resources), increased throughput and ultimately positive patient outcome and satisfaction.