Phlebotomy Needles:
Needles are available in multiple sizes. Vacutainer™ needles are pointed at both ends with one end shorter than the other. The short end of the needle pierces the rubber stopper of the tube. Short end is usually covered by a rubber sheath to prevent leakage of blood as the tubes are changed. The long end of the needle is for insertion into the vein.
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Retractable Winged Steel Needles (Butterfly sets):
Butterfly sets consist of a small needle, bilateral flexible wings, small-bore flexible transparent tubing and a connector. Different sizes are available. Use a 23 or 24-gauge butterfly needle for pediatric and elderly patients and patients with small, fragile veins. Be familiar with the device’s safety activation to prevent needle sticks.
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Vacutainer™ holders are plastic sleeves to hold the double pointed Vacutainer™ needle. You may need to assemble the needle and the holder, or you it may be preassembled.
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Luer-lock adapters are available to draw from an IV catheter and central vascular access devices.
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Blood transfer device allows to safely transfer the blood from a syringe directly to the collection tubes. Using transfer device reduces hemolyzing the blood during transfer, unintended splash and exposure.
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Equipment for phlebotomy
- Tourniquet: Tourniquets are for single use only. You may leave it in the patient’s room and use it again for the same patient.
- Skin antisepsis / Skin Prep: 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes, chlorhexidine or Povidone-iodine wipes
- Gauze sponges
- Adhesive bandages or tape
- Well fitting non-sterile gloves
- Sharp container /Needle disposal unit
- Leak-proof transportation bags and containers
- Requisition or laboratory forms
