How choosing the right products for the individual patient experience can make all the difference

An important initial step before preparing the patient, is the thorough evaluation of the vein conditions, to enable an appropriate selection of product for successful venepuncture and subsequent good blood flow for a quality blood sample.

One device that “fits all” for this initial step, is a vein visualization device such as the VeinViewer®. With this device, it is possible to carry out a thorough check of the veins up to 10mm below the skin, from the patency of the vein, to observing the refill and blood flow rate, to ensuring there are no valves or bifurcations. A beneficial side-effect of using a vein visualization device is furthermore the calming effect it may have on children or anxious patients, as the visualization of the vein patterns may distract and reassure, contributing to the success of the venepuncture procedure.

From feeling the vein, visually observing, and then if required confirming or checking with the vein visualization device, the information should be sufficient for the healthcare professional to make an informed choice about how to proceed, i.e., what needle gauge is appropriate, is a blood collection needle viable or should other options such as a winged safety blood collection set be considered?

If we go back to our examples of patients, starting with a young child, what is important here?

A young patient could be nervous and scared of what’s to come. This is a critical opportunity to look after a young patient, alleviating any fears and hopefully preventing a needle phobia case of the future.

Young children tend to have thinner, more fragile veins and if the needle diameter is too big, it could cause damage to the veins and may be painful. A child in pain is distressing to the parent or caregiver, which can quickly lead to an unnecessarily escalated situation.

In many cases, it may be sufficient to take a capillary sample, if just a small volume for clinical chemistry, haematology or glucose testing is required. Depending on the age and size of the patient as well as the conditions – for example, if a newborn or a toddler, overweight or underweight etc., a small incision or heel stick using a lancet is made or a finger puncture is carried out, then the sample is directed into the capillary blood collection tube via the integrated scoop.

The puncture is fast and does not need application of a tourniquet, meaning the procedure can be over much quicker, although it is important to choose the smallest possible blade or needle size for minimal pain and depending on the individual patient condition. The advantage of choosing this procedure, is that it is less intrusive, and a much lower blood volume is required.

In our final example of patient groups, we have adults, who may be fit and well both cognitively and physically but suffer from severe anxiety when it comes to blood collection. Patients suffering from needle phobia are not uncommon. It is estimated to affect more than 10% of the population and should not be taken lightly, as this may even lead to them avoiding medical care altogether (McCall, 2020).

It will neither be possible nor is it the aim to “cure” all patients of this phobia, but with the right product choice, a healthcare professional can make the experience as pleasant as possible. Let’s discuss the possible use of a vein visualization device like VeinViewer again, which as described above, can be important in many venepuncture or vascular access procedures, but in this particular situation can make the crucial difference.

As in all circumstances, a puncture that is as efficient and as pain-free as possible is the aim, so choosing the most appropriate product helps. Assessment with the VeinViewer can provide a talking point with the patient, providing distraction as well as enabling a thorough and professional evaluation of which vein to choose, and correspondingly, which product.

If veins are close to the surface, again, a winged needle such as a SAFETY blood collection set could be the best choice, whilst in other cases a safety product like the VACUETTE® QUICKSHIELD Safety Tube Holder can be sufficient, using the smallest gauge size possible depending on vein diameter assessment. After use, the needle can be easily, quickly, and safely enclosed in the protective shield either with the thumb or by pressing on a stable surface.

At Greiner Bio-One, safety is always priority for both patients and healthcare workers, as well as comfort and flexibility. The blood sample collection product line reflects this in the broad range of products that covers all needs in venepuncture and vascular access.