Drawing blood can be tricky. It involves finding the right vein, using the right amount of pressure and following specific medical procedures. And when a patient or donor is elderly, the process can become even more complicated. Anyone who has taken phlebotomy courses in Van Nuys or elsewhere understands that you must take certain precautions when dealing with the elderly.
As stated on blooddrivesafety.com, skin becomes thinner and blood vessels become weaker as a natural process of aging. Fragile veins are also much more difficult to puncture and draw blood from. Often veins in the elderly are known as slippery or “rolling veins” and are at risk of collapsing.
Without the proper training from phlebotomy courses in Van Nuys and other qualified schools, blood draw in the elderly can often lead to bruising and hematomas (swelling, clotted blood underneath the skin). Bruising may also occur, but certain measures can and should be taken to avoid the common complications that come with elderly patients.
One common technique people in phlebotomy courses use is the butterfly needle. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that this needle is most often used in children and older adults when vein puncture is more difficult. With wings on either side of the needle’s base to grip, this instrument allows for more precision. The tube attached also helps when patients move around more.
Another basic tip for blood draws that people learn in phlebotomy courses in Van Nuys is to avoid fist clenching. An article from BBC News in 2008 explains that although this practice was once extremely common and does increase blood flow, it can be dangerous. Studies have found that it can lead to false readings of potassium levels, as well as blood clotting.
All Nurses, a forum for health care professionals, explains that when feeling for a puncture site, usable veins should be bouncy and responsive. Often, because veins are so fragile in elderly patients, puncture sites will need to be moved to the top or sides of the hand as well as wrists. Using a warm, damp cloth can also help usable veins become more clear.
At times, even with the proper precautions, blood draw from the elderly can still be significantly challenging, but it’s important to understand the correct procedures. Whether in Van Nuys or across the country, phlebotomy courses can provide more information on how to avoid vein puncture mishaps.
Emily Culp is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Phlebotomy Training Specialists. Follow on Twitter
As stated on blooddrivesafety.com, skin becomes thinner and blood vessels become weaker as a natural process of aging. Fragile veins are also much more difficult to puncture and draw blood from. Often veins in the elderly are known as slippery or “rolling veins” and are at risk of collapsing.
Without the proper training from phlebotomy courses in Van Nuys and other qualified schools, blood draw in the elderly can often lead to bruising and hematomas (swelling, clotted blood underneath the skin). Bruising may also occur, but certain measures can and should be taken to avoid the common complications that come with elderly patients.
One common technique people in phlebotomy courses use is the butterfly needle. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that this needle is most often used in children and older adults when vein puncture is more difficult. With wings on either side of the needle’s base to grip, this instrument allows for more precision. The tube attached also helps when patients move around more.
Another basic tip for blood draws that people learn in phlebotomy courses in Van Nuys is to avoid fist clenching. An article from BBC News in 2008 explains that although this practice was once extremely common and does increase blood flow, it can be dangerous. Studies have found that it can lead to false readings of potassium levels, as well as blood clotting.
All Nurses, a forum for health care professionals, explains that when feeling for a puncture site, usable veins should be bouncy and responsive. Often, because veins are so fragile in elderly patients, puncture sites will need to be moved to the top or sides of the hand as well as wrists. Using a warm, damp cloth can also help usable veins become more clear.
At times, even with the proper precautions, blood draw from the elderly can still be significantly challenging, but it’s important to understand the correct procedures. Whether in Van Nuys or across the country, phlebotomy courses can provide more information on how to avoid vein puncture mishaps.
Emily Culp is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Phlebotomy Training Specialists. Follow on Twitter