1-11. THE IDENTIFICATION OF MATERIALS
In each step from donor to final disposition, a numeric or alpha-numeric system
shall be used to identify and relate the donor record, the processing (pilot) tubes, and
the container. Extreme caution is necessary to avoid any mix-up in numbers. All cards
and labels should be checked for printing errors. Duplicate numbers must be discarded
and voided numbers recorded. A separate work table by each donor chair will decrease
the possibility of errors. Prior to starting the phlebotomy:
NOTE:
Phlebotomy means the incision of a vein. It is used in this text to indicate the
procedure for letting blood.
a. Ensure that the donor card is completely filled out and any question answered
"yes" must be resolved and the donation approved by the blood bank physician.
b. Identify the donor record with the donor by name.
c. Attach identically numbered labels to donor the record, container, and
processing tubes.
d. Processing tubes are for laboratory tests other than compatibility testing and
must accompany the container during collection of blood. They may be attached in any
convenient manner to assure correct identification. (Segments must be used for
compatibility testing.)
e. Re-check all numbers.
1-12. PREPARATION OF THE VENIPUNCTURE SITE
a. Select a large firm vein in an area that is free of skin lesions. It is often helpful
to inspect both arms and to use either a tourniquet or a blood-pressure (BP) cuff inflated
to 40 mmHg to 60 mmHg to make the veins more prominent. Having the donor open
and close his hand a few times is also helpful. Release tourniquet and prepare site.
b. There is no way to prepare a completely aseptic site for venipuncture;
however, a state of surgical cleanliness can be achieved to provide maximum
assurance of a sterile product, and two recommended procedures follow. Other
procedures may be equally satisfactory.
c. General instructions for both methods: Prepare an area at least 1 1/2 inches
in all directions from intended site of venipuncture; use sterile materials and
instruments; after the initial scrub, apply other solutions starting at site of venipuncture
and moving outward in a concentric spiral.
MD0845
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