Figure 2-1. Vacutainer system.
(4) Vacutainer needle. There are two types of needles available for use
with the Vacutainer. One is designed for drawing single specimens; the other is used
for drawing multiple blood samples. A rubber sheath covers the shaft of the multiple
sample needle. As the needle is removed from the rubber stoppered tube, the sheath
slips back to cover and seals the end of the needle, thus preventing blood from dripping
into the holder.
(5) Antiseptic sponge or pledget such as Betadine or alcohol. These are
used to clean the skin before the venipuncture is done. Betadine has been
demonstrated to be more effective in reducing the number of skin pathogens than
alcohol.
(6) Other items. Other items include a protective pad, sterile 2-inch by 2-
inch gauze sponge(s), a self-adhesive bandage, a rubber band, and labels to identify
the blood specimen tube(s).
c. Label Specimen Tube(s). Stamp the label with the patient's addressograph
plate or clearly write the patient's identifying information on the label and apply it to the
specimen tube. The following information should be printed on the label.
(1)
Name of patient.
(2)
Hospitalization number.
(3)
Social security number.
(4)
Date and time specimen was drawn.
(5)
Other data as required by local SOP.
MD0553
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