Pediatric Phlebotomy: Make It Easy Or Grow A Titanium Spine
When it comes to training in phlebotomy, Helen Maxwell, MLT (ASCP) knows her stuff.
After all, she's executive director of the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT) - the second oldest certifying agency of phlebotomy.
So when she speaks about any subject dealing with training in phlebotomy, others listen.
In fact, Maxwell, offered an insightful presentation on "Pediatric Blood Draws" that every phlebotomist should take to heart.
According to Maxwell's presentation, there are five steps in phlebotomy procedures that can make those challenging pediatric draws easier.
Otherwise, you may need a titanium spine to get the job done.
Step No.
1 isn't really a "step" so much as it is a location.
Pediatric blood draws should be performed at a specified room or cubicle - a quiet, brightly decorated space away from large groups and noises.
This is not only for the comfort of other patients who may become upset at hearing a child's cries, but to help calm the fears of the young patient.
2 - building trust.
The phlebotomist can do that by reassuring the child - in an authoritative but calm and friendly voice - that it's OK to be frightened.
Take a moment to explain the procedure to the child, using words that they can understand.
Maybe even find out what their favorite song is - something to help build a bond with the child.
Maintain eye contact as you answer any questions the child might have.
Let them know that it's OK to scream or make faces, but instruct them not to move.
Perhaps, offer some sort of reward for their cooperation.
That brings us to Step No.
3 - have an assistant to hold the child.
The proper procedure for children is for the assistant to place one hand up under the child's elbow and the other hand, palm down, on the child's wrist.
The assistant's fingers are placed in such a manner to allow the child to squeeze the fingers.
For toddlers, the correct procedure is for the assistant to lay the child on an examination table on his/her back.
The assistant, on the opposite side of the table, bends at the waist, placing their trunk gently but firmly on that of the patient, placing hands as previously described.
Step No.
4 - the 'quick draw.
' The phlebotomist should have all the proper equipment close at hand, and check for problems prior to the draw.
Know the type of vein and the device you'll use.
Draw quickly and calmly, keeping the child as calm as possible.
Finally, Step No.
5, Maxwell says, is "finish with finesse.
" Give the child any promised rewards.
Praise their "brave" behavior.
Brag on the child, and encourage him/her to tell their friends or classmates about the experience.
Who knows? Maybe word will get around and the training in phlebotomy will get a bit easier on the pediatric side.
After all, she's executive director of the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT) - the second oldest certifying agency of phlebotomy.
So when she speaks about any subject dealing with training in phlebotomy, others listen.
In fact, Maxwell, offered an insightful presentation on "Pediatric Blood Draws" that every phlebotomist should take to heart.
According to Maxwell's presentation, there are five steps in phlebotomy procedures that can make those challenging pediatric draws easier.
Otherwise, you may need a titanium spine to get the job done.
Step No.
1 isn't really a "step" so much as it is a location.
Pediatric blood draws should be performed at a specified room or cubicle - a quiet, brightly decorated space away from large groups and noises.
This is not only for the comfort of other patients who may become upset at hearing a child's cries, but to help calm the fears of the young patient.
When it comes you pediatric blood draws, you can make it easier by following these steps recommended by ASPT Executive Director Helen Maxwell or you may need a titanium spine to get the job done.A quiet, semi-secluded room is also more conducive to Step No.
2 - building trust.
The phlebotomist can do that by reassuring the child - in an authoritative but calm and friendly voice - that it's OK to be frightened.
Take a moment to explain the procedure to the child, using words that they can understand.
Maybe even find out what their favorite song is - something to help build a bond with the child.
Maintain eye contact as you answer any questions the child might have.
Let them know that it's OK to scream or make faces, but instruct them not to move.
Perhaps, offer some sort of reward for their cooperation.
That brings us to Step No.
3 - have an assistant to hold the child.
The proper procedure for children is for the assistant to place one hand up under the child's elbow and the other hand, palm down, on the child's wrist.
The assistant's fingers are placed in such a manner to allow the child to squeeze the fingers.
For toddlers, the correct procedure is for the assistant to lay the child on an examination table on his/her back.
The assistant, on the opposite side of the table, bends at the waist, placing their trunk gently but firmly on that of the patient, placing hands as previously described.
Step No.
4 - the 'quick draw.
' The phlebotomist should have all the proper equipment close at hand, and check for problems prior to the draw.
Know the type of vein and the device you'll use.
Draw quickly and calmly, keeping the child as calm as possible.
Finally, Step No.
5, Maxwell says, is "finish with finesse.
" Give the child any promised rewards.
Praise their "brave" behavior.
Brag on the child, and encourage him/her to tell their friends or classmates about the experience.
Who knows? Maybe word will get around and the training in phlebotomy will get a bit easier on the pediatric side.