VENIPUNCTURE

(PROCEDURE)
PATRICK KYLE C. IGNACIO, RRT
 INTRODUCTION
🞂Venipuncture is defined as the percutaneous puncture
of a vein for withdrawal of blood or injection of a
solution such as contrast media for different
procedures.
🞂Preparation for Administration of Contrast Agents:
◦ Confirmation of the correct contents of the container
◦ Route of administration
◦ Amount to be administered
◦ Expiration date
🞂 Contrast Media can be administered by:

◦ Bolus Injection
◦ Drip Infusion
 BOLUS INJECTION
🞂A bolus injection is one in which the entire dose of
contrast medium is injected into the venous system at
one time. This method of administration is typically
used for maximum contrast enhancement.
🞂The rate of bolus injection is controlled by the
following:
• Gauge of needle or connecting tubing
• Amount of contrast media injected
• Viscosity of contrast media
• Stability of vein
• Force applied by the individual who is performing
the injection
 DRIP INFUSION
🞂Drip infusion is a method whereby contrast media is
introduced into the venous system via connective
tubing attached to the IV site.

🞂A specified amount of contrast media is introduced

over a specified period. This method is used most
frequently when the drip infusion catheter is already in
place for repeated or continuous infusions.
🞂The contrast media is contained in an IV solution bag
or bottle that is inverted and connected to the tubing.
 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
🞂 In
preparation for this procedure, the technologist must gather all
necessary supplies:

• Sharps container
• Tourniquets
• Alcohol wipe
• Various sizes of butterfly and over-the-needle catheters
• Disposable or prefilled syringes
• IV infusion tubing
• Arm board
• Cotton balls or 2 × 2 inch (5- × 5-cm) gauze
• Tape or securing device
• Gloves
• Contrast media
 PATIENT PREPARATION
🞂During introductions, identification of the patient, and
explanation of the procedure, the mental and emotional
status of the patient must be assessed. This assessment
may confirm that the patient is more comfortable lying
down.
 SELECTION OF VEIN
🞂For most IV procedure, veins found within the
antecubital fossa are ideal.
🞂Veins in this region are generally large, easy to access,
and typically sufficiently durable to withstand a bolus
injection of contrast media without extravasation.
🞂Veins found within the antecubital fossa commonly
used during venipuncture include the:

◦ Median cubital vein

◦ Cephalic vein
◦ Basilic vein
🞂Because these typically are easily accessible veins, they
may become overused from frequent phlebotomy and
IV access. Other access sites might have to be
investigated.
🞂Veins to avoid:
◦ Sclerotic
◦ Tortuous
◦ Rolling
◦ Overused

TAKE NOTE: ENSURE VEIN AND NOT AN ARTERY

 TYPE AND SIZE OF NEEDLE
🞂50 to 100 Ml of contrast
media
🞂18- to 22-gauge needle
general used
🞂length of the needle may
vary between 1 and 1 1/2
inches
VENIPUNCTURE PROCEDURE
Step 1: Wash hands and put on gloves
VENIPUNCTURE PROCEDURE
Step 2: Apply Tourniquet, select site, and cleanse the site
VENIPUNCTURE PROCEDURE
Step 3: Initiate puncture
VENIPUNCTURE PROCEDURE
Step 4: Confirm entry and secure needle
VENIPUNCTURE PROCEDURE
Step 5: Prepare and proceed with injection
VENIPUNCTURE PROCEDURE
Step 6: Needle or catheter removal
 SUMMARY OF SAFETY
CONSIDERATIONS
1. Always wear gloves during all aspects of the
procedure.
2. Follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) Standard Precautions and properly dispose of all
materials that contain blood or body fluids.
3. Place needles and syringes in a designated sharps
container. Sharps containers should be replaced when
half-full.
 SUMMARY OF SAFETY
CONSIDERATIONS
4. If the initial puncture is unsuccessful, use a new
butterfly or over-the-needle catheter for the second
attempt.
5. If extravasation of contrast media occurs, elevate the
affected extremity and provide a cold compress over the
site of injection for approximately 20 minutes followed
by a warm compress.
6. Document the injection, including the injection site,
time, amount, type of contrast agent injected, and any
resultant complications.