Venepuncture – A step-by-step procedural guide

Venepuncture is one of the most common invasive procedures performed in healthcare and is commonly performed in the context of delivery of primary healthcare services to people accessing Aboriginal medical services.

In order to ensure patient safety and comfort, all clinicians performing venepuncture must ensure proficiency in their technique. Competency is essential.

This module is one of a series of 5 on venepuncture and cannulation. The 5 modules are:

• Indications and vein selection
• Equipment selection
• Special considerations for infants and children
• Finding a vein
• Venepuncture – A step-by-step procedural guide
• Cannulation – A step-by-step procedural guide

This module provides a step-by-step guide on how to perform venepuncture, common complications, and the appropriate interventions when complications do arise.

Caution: Prior to undertaking venepuncture, clinicians should check local policies and access the appropriate practical training and competency assessments. Only those deemed competent should perform venepuncture..

At the end of this module participants will be able to:

• Describe the step-by-step procedure for performing venepuncture using a safety engineered evacuated tube system in adults and children.
• Identify how the five moments of hand hygiene are applied to venepuncture procedures.
• List the possible complications of venepuncture and understand what to do if they should arise.