laboratory training for field epidemiologists best infection control measures for sampling venous...

E P I D E M I C A L E R T A N D R E S P O N S E Laboratory Training for Field EpidemiologistsLaboratory Training for Field Epidemiologists

Best infection control measures for Best infection control measures for sampling venous sampling venous

and capillary blood and capillary blood

WHO intermediate recommendations WHO intermediate recommendations February 2004February 2004

May 2007

Adapted sample taking


Best practicesBest practices• Ensure blood is sampled safely, no exposure to

bloodborne pathogens to patients, health care workers, environment

• Scope of best practices restricted to infection control

• Do not address other routine practices:

• labelling

• selecting the right equipment for the right patient

• containers

• protecting the sample from contamination


Steps of safe blood samplingSteps of safe blood sampling

Step 1: select equipment, prepare area

Step 2: prepare patient, collect blood sample

Step 3: transfer blood sample

Step 4: waste management

Other practice issues: type of phlebotomy equipment


Step 1 Step 1 Select equipment, prepare areaSelect equipment, prepare area

• Provide an appropriate environment for blood collection



• Wash and/or disinfect your hands first

• Avoid collecting blood if local infection or other skin condition (e.g., weeping dermatitis, skin lesions) compromises the skin integrity of your hands.

• Cover any small cuts on your hands (e.g., with a bandaid/plaster).



• Prepare a clean, designated and if possible, dedicated area for collecting blood samples.



• Wear a new pair of gloves for each patient

• Use a sterile single-use lancet or phlebotomy set for each patient

• Inspect packaging for breaches in integrity

• Do not use equipment that may not be sterile (punctured, torn or damaged).


Step 2: Step 2: Prepare patient, collect blood samplePrepare patient, collect blood sample

• Wash visibly soiled/dirty skin

• Swab

• Antiseptic - clean, single use swab and maintain product-specific recommended contact time.

• Do not use cotton balls stored wet in a multi-use container.

• Unnecessary to swab clean skin before blood sampling

• Don’t touch the puncture site after skin disinfection or before blood sampling.


Step 2: Preparation of the patient and Step 2: Preparation of the patient and collection of the blood samplecollection of the blood sample

• Discard in an appropriate sharps disposal container any needle or lancet that has touched a non-sterile surface prior to sampling.

• When the use of a tourniquet is indicated, use a clean device that has not been contaminated with blood or body fluids.


Step 2: Preparation of the patient and Step 2: Preparation of the patient and collection of the blood samplecollection of the blood sample

• Anticipate and take measures such as appropriate patient restraint to prevent sudden patient movement during and after blood sampling.


Step 2: Prepare the patient and collect Step 2: Prepare the patient and collect the blood samplethe blood sample

• After sampling, minimize bleeding by applying gentle pressure on the sampling site with a dry, clean cotton ball or other similar material.

• Apply clean dressing to the wound after bleeding has stopped.


Step 3. Transfer blood sampleStep 3. Transfer blood sample

• When using a syringe and a needle to perform phlebotomy,

• transfer the collected blood slowly and directly into the collection tubes without removing the needle to prevent spillage or splashing

• Cover the tubes


Step 3. Transfer the blood sampleStep 3. Transfer the blood sample

• Avoid recapping needles and other manipulations of used needles.

• If recapping is necessary, use one hand only to avoid puncturing the hand holding the cap.



• Collect used sharps at the point of use in puncture resistant and leak-proof sharps containers.



• Prepare blood collection tubes for storage or transport according to recommended national and/or international packaging requirements.


Step 3. Transfer of the blood sampleStep 3. Transfer of the blood sample

• Disinfect the sampling area to eliminate the risk of contamination of equipment with blood or body fluids for future use, particularly if spillage or splashing of blood occurred.

• Wash hands after removing gloves.


Step 4. Waste managementStep 4. Waste management

• Seal sharps containers before they are completely full for transport to a secure area in preparation for disposal.


Step 4. Waste managementStep 4. Waste management

• Manage waste in an efficient, safe and environment-friendly way to protect people from voluntary and accidental exposure to used equipment.


Type of phlebotomy equipmentType of phlebotomy equipment

• Single-use, vacuum-based phlebotomy equipment is available to reduce the risk of environmental contamination.

• Safer injection devices are increasingly available to prevent reuse of injection equipment and needle-stick injuries.

E P I D E M I C A L E R T A N D R E S P O N S E Laboratory Training for Field Epidemiologists

Developed by the Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response of the World Health Organization with assistance from:

European Program for Intervention Epidemiology Training

Canadian Field Epidemiology Program

Thailand Ministry of Health

Institut Pasteur

Module 2: Adapted sample taking

laboratory training for field epidemiologists best infection control measures for sampling venous...

Documents