Dela Cruz, Albert Bryan R.

BSMT - 1 | February 5, 2022

Principles in Medical Laboratory Science Practice 2 (MED 2)

Puncture It Right!
A reaction paper about Arterial Puncture

One of the procedures done in the phlebotomy section of clinical laboratory is

arterial puncture. Aside from venipuncture and capillary puncture, arterial puncture is
also used to collect blood samples. The oxygenated blood that comes in the arteries is
essential for several tests as it reflects the body as a whole.

Before we proceed to the procedure of arterial puncture, let us first define the
concepts around it. Arterial puncture is the process of collecting arterial blood, which
is the oxygenated blood of our body. Uniform in composition, the arterial blood is
preferred for blood gas analysis and blood pH measurement. It is often collected in
these sites: radial, brachial, femoral, scalp, and umbilical arteries. The preferred sites
for arterial puncture are the radial and brachial arteries. The femoral artery,
meanwhile, bleeds massive than the other two but it is relatively large, making it easy
to puncture.

There are several things to remember in conducting arterial puncture. First, the
patient shall undergo modified Allen’s test, which is done to determined whether that
ulnar artery or the artery that supplied blood in the hands can function and provide
blood circulation after the puncture. To conduct the test, instruct the patient first to
make a fist. Then, locate the pulses of radial and ulnar arteries and compress. Have
the patient open their fist after and observe if the palm became pale. Next, release the
pressure only on the ulnar artery and observe if the blood returns to the palm. If the
test is negative, blood should not be taken.

After conducting modified Allen’s test, we can proceed to the procedure.

Always take note that the needle should pierce the skin at an angle of approximately
45 to 60 degrees in a deliberate manner. After blood is collected, gently rotate the
syringe to mix blood and heparin. Place the specimen in a coolant to minimize
leukocyte consumption and then treat the patient’s puncture site by applying and
compressing it with a sterile gauze pad. The specimen must be delivered to the
appropriate laboratory section immediately.

Even if safety precautions are done during the procedure, there are still
mishaps and errors that may happen along the way. Complications like hematoma and
hemorrhage, preanalytical errors like too much heparin use, and even accidental
puncture could take place while doing or after doing the procedure. Therefore, the
phlebotomist must take note, observe, and report unusual instances that might or will
happen during the procedure.

It is a fact that arterial puncture is just one of the ways to collect blood
specimen. The oxygenated blood that is extracted in the arteries helped medical
technologies to properly diagnose and examine what is needed to be known by the
patient. Also, learning the correct process and procedure is essential to perform the
task. As health care practitioners, phlebotomists must ensure that the safety of the
patient is the priority. As well, phlebotomists must ensure to properly conduct the
needed steps in order to prevent complications and further problems that might occur
in the process. After all, phlebotomists are trained to properly conduct these different
collection procedures so there must be nothing to be scared or concerned of.

Arterial puncture is just one of the practices learned and done by

phlebotomists. Proper education and training must be practiced to ensure that these
phlebotomists will deliver the correct procedure to the patients. Remember, always
puncture it right!