What Butterfly Needles Are Used For
Phlebotomists regularly use butterfly needles to obtain blood samples for blood-based tests.
Butterfly needles can also be used to deliver intravenous fluids if you are dehydrated and either cannot drink fluids or cannot drink enough to compensate for fluid loss.
Additionally, they are useful for delivering medications straight into a vein or infusing IV therapies intravenously.
Though butterfly needles can be left in a vein for five to seven days if properly secured, they are more commonly used for short-term infusions.
Regular or ongoing infusions are typically given through a larger vein via a central line or peripherally inserted central catheter line.
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Youll Hardly Feel A Thingseriously
The needles used to collect blood are a bit larger than those youd encounter when, say, receiving a flu shot, but the so-called small pinch you feel at insertion is, truly, no big deal. What we feel is just on the surface of our skin. These needles have silicone on them, theyre made to glide and be quite comfortable. After that initial stick, youre not going to feel anything, Dr. Kreuter says. If needles give you the shivers, look away for the quarter-second in which yours is placed then ask a staffer to cover up the insertion site for you. Since the tough part is already over, you can lie back and spend the next eight to 10 minutes zoning out.
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What Gauge Needles Are Used For Phlebotomy
This difference is critical to remember, as there is no uniform gauge size for all phlebotomist patients. Each needle varies in their blood flow rate and compatibility with specific vein types. Although 21, 22, and 23 gauge needles are three of the most common needles, a broad knowledge of all needle types is beneficial to accommodate
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Giving Blood: What To Expect & 5 Benefits Of Donating
While I wouldnt go as far as saying that I am a trypanophobic, the sight of needles and blood do make me nervous to a certain degree. And that is why giving blood was on my bucket list for so long without a checkmark next to it.
However, as I always say, sometimes you need to push through the fear and look at the benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone. And there are plenty of advantages when it comes to donating blood. From cancer treatments to high-risk surgeries, you take a little part in helping save lives. It is a random act of kindness where you lose nothing, but gain a priceless altruistic feeling.
Quality Of Laboratory Sampling
Factors that influence the outcome of laboratory results during collection and transportation include:
- knowledge of staff involved in blood collection
- use of the correct gauge of hypodermic needle to prevent haemolysis or abnormal results
- the appropriate anatomical insertion site for venepuncture
- the use of recommended laboratory collection tubes
- patient-sample matching
- transportation conditions
- interpretation of results for clinical management.
Each of these issues is discussed in detail in WHO guidelines on drawing blood: best practices in .
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Donating Your Voice Is Vital Too
Those “Be nice to me, I gave blood today!” stickers arent merely a cute humblebrag: Theyre also a benevolent form of peer pressure, not unlike the “I voted” stickers we earn and wear on election days. Hearing about blood donation from a friend or colleague is very motivating in getting to think about taking that next step, Dr. Kreuter says. Our donor population has an older average age, and were trying to reach out to the younger generation to start having the same blood donation habits.
Think about it this way: Taking your kids to see you strengthen your communitys heartbeat at a blood center is just as important as bringing them with you to the voting booth. Donate visibly, donate vocally, and donate as often as you can.
This article originally appeared on Health.com.
Gaining Experience With Various Needle Gauges
In ourCertified Phlebotomy Technician I course, PhlebotomyU students earn practical experience with multiple needle types. Through this course, our students gain over 80 hours of in-classroom knowledge and 40-120 hours at an externship site to enhance their phlebotomy skills.
To learn more about needle gauges and our CPT I course, contactPhlebotomyU today.
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What Happens To The Donated Blood After
If you wonder where these types of blood go after the donation, there is a legal process for storing and distributing it. After being transfused in a bag, the blood donation is tested to pass a certain standard. Then, right after, it will be stored for a couple of weeks in the right place with the right temperature making sure it would still be usable and preserved. There are also basic rules in keeping blood donations, and you can look for them on the internet.
Then, it would depend on the organization you have donated to and where they would want your blood donations to go. There are so many places needing blood donations for several reasons. They may opt to ship it in these places or find hospitals near the area to give out the donated blood.
If you want to know more about blood donations, you can read what is autologous blood donation. You can read this interesting topic that may sound unfamiliar to you. It is additional knowledge to know about blood donations.
Venipuncture Armamentarium And Infusion Pumps
Peripheral venous access is commonly achieved with one of several different angiocatheters . One specific catheter system is the BD Insyte Autoguard , which is a shielded intravenous catheter. This angiocatheter enables a surgeon to push a button on the catheter handle after the needle is inserted into the vein, instantly retracting the needle into the handle and reducing the risk of a needlestick injury.
Fig. 5. BD Insyte Autoguard Catheter . When pushed, white button safely retracts needle into handle. B. Braun Introcan Safety IV Catheter Winged .
A winged infusion set, or butterfly needle, can be used during venipuncture for phlebotomy in patients with thin blood vessels that roll. The butterfly needle is not routinely used for the administration of intravenous fluids. If a butterfly needle is available and used because of difficult intravenous access, it may require the use of an arm board to prevent the upper extremity or hand from bending at the site of venipuncture.
A surgeon may choose to use an infusion pump to deliver intravenous medications rather than pushing intermittent boluses of the same drug . Most infusion pumps provide similar safety and programmable features, such as accurate rapid occlusion detection and automated piggyback or concurrent delivery of a given drug. Some infusion pumps can also be programmed to accurately deliver intravenous fluids or blood products.
Fig. 6. Infusion pump.
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Background Information On Best Practices In Phlebotomy
Using best practices in reduces the risks to both patients and health workers. For example, the use of and immediate of the used syringe and needle as a single unit into a puncture-resistant , markedly reduce injuries and blood exposure among health workers .
In home-based care, can be made safer by improving sharps , to minimize the risk of exposure to hollow-bore and venepuncture needles .
This section provides background information on , â cover blood sampling, and covers blood collection for transfusions.
Best practices in involve the following factors:
- planning aheadâ this is the most important part of carrying out any procedure, and is usually done at the start of a session
- using an appropriate locationâ the phlebotomist should work in a quiet, clean, well-lit area, whether working with outpatients or inpatients
- â this is an essential part of best practice in infection prevention and control in , it helps to minimize the chance of a mishap
- standards for quality care for patients and health workersâ discussed in detail in .
lists the main components of quality assurance and explains why they are important.
Elements of quality assurance in phlebotomy.
How To Donate Blood For Newbies And Needle
Ive been working at the American Red Cross for nine months and 15 days, and during those nine months and 15 days, Ive adamantly told myself Im going to give blood. I havent yet because I, like so many others, prefer not to be poked in the arm with a needle. This serious, full-blown, irrational, paranoid fear of needles is exemplified in two memorable experiences with shots:
1. The immunization shot. This shot was no big deal, I barely felt a pinch. Afterward, while my mom was chatting with the nurse, I was trying to get her attention. She kept consistently nudging me away thinking I was trying to interrupt her. No, I was only momentarily taking a pause to conveniently pass out!
2. The wisdom teeth. I was making a big fuss about the whole thing when the nurse pulled a sneak attack and stuck me with the shot to knock me out. I was so upset and blubbering, YOU LIAR! YOU LIAR! YOU LIIIaaa.. as I passed into dreamland.
Needless to say, I wasnt in any particular HURRY to be poked again. But I soon came to the realization that were in a pretty serious blood shortfall, man so I sucked it up and marched myself over to the Red Cross blood donation center . Let me break the whole top-bloody-notch experience down for you.
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Why Do Smaller Needles Hurt More
There are two main factors that make injections hurt: one is the thickness of the needlethe thicker the gauge of the needle, the bigger the hole, hence the bigger the pain the other is the friction factor of the needleeven if a needle is fine, its saw-tooth design causes pain because it damages the skin. Japanese
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Can You Claim Hair Donation On Taxes
If you donate your hair to a tax-exempt organization that helps people who have lost their hair as a result of a medical condition, such as Locks of Love, the hair itself isnt tax deductible. However, you may be able to claim a charitable contribution deduction for some of your related out-of-pocket expenses.
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Eligibility Is Always Changing And Zikas A Concern This Year
The Red Cross maintains an alphabetical list of eligibility criteria for potential donorsfrom acupuncture to Zika and can give you the latest information on whether or not youre good to give. There have been no reported cases of Zika transmission via blood transfusion so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , but theres a strong possibility that the virus can be transmitted that way. What were doing now, per the FDA, is deferring for 28 days, which is twice the known period of infectivity, Dr. Kreuter says. Because Zika can be transmitted by sexual contact as well, women with male partners who have visited Zika-affected areas are deferred for three additional months.
Am I Eligible To Give Blood
To give blood you must be in good health, 17 years old or older , weigh at least 110 pounds and show a valid photo I.D.
Below are examples of instances or criteria that may prevent you from donating. To take this information on-the-go, refer to our donor education materials. Our regulations continually change, so do not self-defer a patient could be counting on you! If you have further questions, please contact us.
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How Do Butterfly Needles Improve The Blood Draw Process
Even outside of dental applications, butterfly designs are extensively used. When venipuncture is difficult, the blood draw butterfly is the ideal solution.
Clinicians use butterfly devices for:
- Patients where it is difficult to achieve a successful stick to draw blood.
- Elderly patients.
- Infants and children.
Patients dont have to fall into these categories. Blood draw butterfly needles are often preferred by clinicians because the insertion angle is shallower when compared to an IV catheter. The needle is smaller than a traditional IV catheter which makes it easier to stick veins that are small, fragile, or that roll during insertion.
Butterfly-style needles are the preferred choice when drawing significant amounts of blood, such as when donating at a blood bank. The collection system is also an advantage. Instead of drawing directly into a bag or syringe, the butterfly system has flexible tubing that allows for efficient collection.
Cons Of Higher Butterfly Needle Gauges
Smaller, higher-gauge butterfly needles cause less pain, but they may not always be appropriate. Here are some disadvantages to keep in mind:
- May cause hemolysis: Needles with a gauge size 25 or higher are not always recommended because as needle size gets smaller, the risk of hemolysis increases. Hemolysis would render blood samples invalid for certain lab tests. For this reason, a gauge size 25 or greater is only recommended for use with infants or patients with hard-to-access veins.
- Takes more time: A smaller needle draws blood at a slower rate than a larger one. If blood is urgently needed or a patient cannot sit for long, it may be better to use a lower gauge.
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Does Donating Plasma Hurt
Indeed, it is painful to experience. Your arm looks like it was pricked with a really big needle. The answer lies in the degree to which it bothers you. Donating blood or getting a flu shot are two alternatives that are not vastly different from this method.
The process of donating plasma is not simple, but if you can get through it, you should be fine. Upon having the needle placed into your arm, you will experience no pain.
The insertion of the needle by the phlebotomist is often the most important part of the procedure. No doubt youve had injections ranging from completely painless to extremely agonizing. The agony is not caused by the needle itself, but by the hand that holds it.
If you have a negative experience giving blood, its probably the fault of the phlebotomist and not the technique itself. You may wish to choose a more seasoned specialist the second time around, if you are not afraid of needles and shots.
In addition, consider the veins in your body and the types they are. Your veins may be too tiny or obscured for a less invasive procedure. The needle might not go in all the way, or more than one vein might be missed . It may be necessary to prick the skin more than once or to reposition the needle in order to reach a vein.
You should realize that the act of donating will not affect your body in any way. A needle puncture generates actual, though fleeting, pain. Not bad, thinking about the money you can make by donating plasma.
Donator’s Incentive And Deterrence
Multiple studies have shown that the main reason people donate is due to selflessness, charity, general awareness regarding the demand for blood, increased confidence in oneself, helping a personal friend/relative, and social pressure. On the other hand, lack of blood donations can occur due to fear, lack of faith in the medical professionals, inconvenience, and the lack of consideration for donating. Pathologist Leo McCarthy states that blood shortages routinely occur between July 4 and Labor day and between Christmas and New Year.
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Is The Needle For Donating Blood Big
To minimize shearing forces that irreversibly damage the red blood cells, a large needle is used during the collection of blood.
Does blood donation needle hurt?
You shouldnt feel any pain while the blood is being drawn, but you may experience an uncomfortable sensation at the site where the needle is inserted into your arm. You may also feel pain at the needle insertion site after your donation, especially if your arm is bruised.
What is the biggest blood donation?
Man With The Golden Arm Donates Blood That Has Saved 2 Million Babies. James Harrison was recognized in 2003 with the Guinness World Record for the most blood donated by one person. When James Harrison was 14, he got really sick.
Prepare To Give Blood
Before you donate, do yourself a favor and visit redcrossblood.org. Theres helpful advice about what to do before, during and after giving blood. For example, some helpful tips for me:
1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Drinking water is always important, so this comes as no surprise its important before giving blood too.
2. Wear comfy clothes: Do these awesome ranchero-style boots count? It doesnt get in the way of my shirt rolling above my elbow for the nurse to poke my arm, so I think Im good.
3. Pack on the iron: No, Im not talking about the iron you lift in the gym . Im talking about the iron thats in your food. For example, the day of my donation I ate an egg, banana bread with jelly, a spinach and kale salad, a clementine, a kiwi, an apple, and a piece of bread with almond butter right before I gave blood.
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Is 22g Needle Thinner Than 21g
Unlike standard measurement systems, there is an inverse relationship for the gauge numbers and the size of needles. As the gauge number increases, the needle width gets narrower. For example, a 22g needle is thinner than a 21g. This difference is critical to remember, as there is no uniform gauge size for all phlebotomist patients.