Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

General Nursing (RGN)

Collection of Blood Specimens

Blood specimen collection is the safe removal of a prescribed volume of venous blood for laboratory investigation. The nurse verifies the request and patient, selects an appropriate site, uses aseptic venipuncture and the correct tubes, labels at the bedside, transports promptly and manages complications.

Purpose

  • Obtain a suitable specimen for diagnosis and clinical decision-making
  • Monitor disease, treatment response or physiological status
  • Provide blood for tests such as haematology, chemistry, grouping, cross-match or microbiology

Indications

  • A valid laboratory request from an authorized prescriber or service
  • Need for diagnostic, monitoring, therapeutic or pre-procedure blood testing
  • A patient who can safely undergo venipuncture after assessment

Equipment

  • Laboratory request form and approved specimen labels
  • Appropriate evacuated tubes or sterile specimen bottles in the laboratory-approved order of draw
  • Safety needle and holder or sterile syringe system according to local policy
  • Tourniquet, approved skin antiseptic and sterile gauze
  • Gloves, apron or other PPE according to risk assessment
  • Adhesive dressing, tray, sharps container and waste receptacle
  • Hand hygiene supplies and transport bag or container

Preparation

  • Check the request, tests, timing, preparation requirements, tubes, volume, patient identity and allergies or risks.
  • Assess the patient for fainting history, bleeding risk, anticoagulants, fistula, mastectomy, IV therapy and suitable sites.
  • Explain the procedure, obtain cooperation, provide privacy and position the patient safely with the arm supported.

Procedure steps

  • Perform hand hygiene and identify the patient using approved identifiers; compare the request with the patient.
  • Explain the tests, obtain consent and position the patient safely, protecting the bed if required.
  • Assemble tubes in the correct order, check expiry and inspect equipment; perform hand hygiene and put on gloves.
  • Apply the tourniquet, select a suitable vein and release or reapply it according to the venipuncture technique.
  • Clean the site with approved antiseptic and allow it to dry completely without touching the site.
  • Insert the needle using the approved angle and technique, collect the required tubes and volumes in the correct order.
  • Release the tourniquet as soon as appropriate, remove the needle, apply firm pressure and activate the safety device.
  • Discard the needle immediately into the sharps container without recapping; apply a dressing when bleeding has stopped.
  • Mix additive tubes gently as required, label every specimen at the bedside and complete the request form accurately.
  • Check the patient for dizziness, pain, bleeding or haematoma, remove gloves, perform hand hygiene and transport promptly.
  • Document collection, site, time, patient tolerance, complications and specimen dispatch according to policy.

Precautions

  • Do not collect from an unsafe site, through an active IV line or from a limb with a fistula or relevant restriction without direction.
  • Use the laboratory-approved order of draw, tube type and required volume; do not substitute containers.
  • Never recap a needle and do not leave the patient unsupported if fainting risk is present.
  • Escalate persistent bleeding, large haematoma, nerve symptoms, failed collection, needlestick injury or patient deterioration.

Aftercare

  • Keep pressure on the site for longer when bleeding risk is increased and check the dressing before leaving.
  • Provide oral fluids or assistance as appropriate after a faint or difficult collection.

Nursing considerations

  • Follow the laboratory's current specimen requirements and institutional blood-collection policy.
  • Use a qualified colleague or alternative collection method when repeated attempts or patient risk exceeds competence.

Possible complications

  • Fainting, dizziness or falls
  • Haematoma, bleeding, pain or nerve irritation
  • Infection, hemolysis or unsuitable specimen
  • Needlestick injury or wrong-patient identification

Patient education

  • Tell the patient to keep pressure on the site as directed and report continued bleeding, swelling or numbness.
  • Explain when results will be reviewed according to local service arrangements.

Documentation

  • Record tests, date and time, site, collector, patient tolerance, number or type of specimens and complications.
  • Record labeling, request completion, transport time and any specimen rejection or recollection.

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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