Lesson 1Tourniquet application and release timing to minimise haemoconcentration and lipids interferenceThis lesson covers proper tourniquet placement, tension, and maximum duration, plus release timing during needle insertion and tube filling to reduce haemoconcentration and impacts on lipid and protein tests.
Correct tourniquet placement and tensionMaximum safe tourniquet application timeEffect of prolonged stasis on analytesTiming tourniquet release during drawAvoiding fist pumping and excessive grippingAlternatives when tourniquet use is limitedLesson 2Managing difficult draws: vein stabilisation, repositioning, using butterfly sets, and when to stop after failed attemptsThis lesson tackles challenging venous access, including better vein visualisation, stabilisation, needle adjustments, butterfly set use, escalation steps, and ethical boundaries for attempts in NZ clinical environments.
Assessing causes of difficult venous accessEnhancing vein visibility and palpationStabilising rolling or fragile veinsSafe needle redirection and when to stopUsing butterfly sets and smaller gaugesEscalation to senior staff or alternative accessLesson 3Order of draw for evacuated tubes, additives, and rationale to avoid cross-contaminationThis lesson examines the standard draw sequence for evacuated tubes, additive roles, and reasons for order to prevent carryover, detailing error impacts and application in multi-test scenarios.
Standard order of draw for adult venipunctureFunctions of common tube additivesHow additive carryover can alter resultsApplying order of draw with multiple testsOrder of draw when using butterfly setsRecognising and correcting order errorsLesson 4Steps of a standard venipuncture: greeting, positioning, palpation, anchoring, needle insertion angle, blood flow management, tube filling and inversionThis lesson outlines a step-by-step venipuncture process, from greeting and ID to positioning, vein palpation, anchoring, insertion angle, tube sequence, inversion, and safe needle withdrawal with disposal.
Patient identification and procedure explanationPositioning arm and ensuring patient comfortPalpating and marking the selected veinSkin tension and vein anchoring techniquesNeedle insertion angle and depth controlTube filling sequence and gentle inversionLesson 5Skin antisepsis for venipuncture: agents, contact time, and special considerations (chlorhexidine vs alcohol; when to wait for drying)This lesson discusses evidence-based skin antisepsis for venipuncture, comparing alcohol and chlorhexidine, contact times, drying needs, and adjustments for sensitive skin, kids, and high-risk cases in NZ.
Indications for skin antisepsis before venipunctureComparing alcohol and chlorhexidine preparationsRequired contact time for common antiseptic agentsWhy drying time matters for efficacy and comfortSpecial cases: paediatrics, elderly, fragile skinAvoiding contamination after skin preparationLesson 6Post-draw care: haemostasis technique, dressing selection, observation for haematoma, and instructions to patientThis lesson addresses immediate post-draw care, including needle removal, haemostasis without too much pressure, dressing choices, haematoma monitoring, patient advice, and event documentation.
Safe needle withdrawal and site protectionManual pressure and haemostasis durationChoosing and applying dressings or bandagesRecognising and managing haematoma earlyPatient advice after venipuncture procedureDocumenting complications and follow-upLesson 7Labelling, sample handling, transport conditions and turnaround time considerations to preserve sample integrityThis lesson covers bedside tube labelling, handling to prevent agitation and temp issues, transport methods, and time expectations to sustain analyte stability and avoid preanalytical errors.
Essential identifiers for tube labellingBedside labelling versus central labelling risksTemperature control during sample transportTime limits for common laboratory testsUse of pneumatic tubes and transport carriersDocumenting chain of custody when requiredLesson 8Techniques to prevent haemolysis: gentle tube filling, correct needle gauge, avoiding prolonged tourniquet, and correct mixingThis lesson explains haemolysis causes and prevention tactics, like suitable needle size, gentle filling, short tourniquet use, proper mixing, and avoiding temp/mechanical stress.
How in vitro haemolysis occurs in samplesSelecting appropriate needle gauge by veinGentle tube filling and avoiding forceTourniquet time limits to reduce haemolysisCorrect inversion technique for additive tubesRecognising and documenting haemolyzed samplesLesson 9Equipment types and selection: evacuated tube system, butterfly sets, syringes, needle gauges and tube adaptersThis lesson describes venipuncture equipment parts, including evacuated systems, butterfly sets, syringes, gauges, and adapters, guiding choices based on vein size, tests, and infection control.
Parts of the evacuated tube collection systemIndications for butterfly needle setsWhen syringe draws are appropriateChoosing needle gauge for vein and testSelecting tube adapters and holdersSingle-use devices and safety featuresLesson 10Anatomy and vein selection for adults: median cubital, cephalic, basilic veins and factors affecting choiceThis lesson reviews upper limb vein anatomy, highlighting median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins, and how access, comfort, risks, and context inform safe selection for adult patients.
Surface anatomy of antecubital fossa veinsCharacteristics of median cubital veinWhen to choose cephalic vein safelyRisks and cautions with basilic veinFactors influencing vein choice in adultsSites to avoid for venipuncture in adults
