Embedded Files
Read
Read
Please ensure that you have completed the sharps safety page in conjunction with this page, click to complete here
Read the illustrated guide to venepuncture on ClinicalSkills.net here:
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Order of Draw
Order of Draw
The order of draw should be observed when taking blood. The order of draw refers to the specific order in which the blood bottles should be attached when more than one blood sample is being taken. This avoids cross contamination between the additives inside the bottles. Colour coding and tube additives may vary but the simplified order recommended by WHO for vacuum blood bottles is shown in the table below:
Taken from: WHO guidelines on drawing blood: best practices in phlebotomy, WHO (World Health Organisation), Best Practices in Phlebotomy, Practical guidance on best practices in phlebotomy, Pages 9-20, Copyright (2010). From 2010. (online) Available from: https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/268790/WHO-guidelines-on-drawing-blood-best-practices-in-phlebotomy-Eng.pdf Accessed 23.03.2020
Watch
Watch
Here are two videos showing examples of undertaking venepuncture. The first video on the left is more detailed and you may find this more useful if you'd like a more in depth overview of the procedure, particularly if you are new to the skill. The first video also shows how to undertake venepuncture using both a butterfly or 'winged' device, as well as using a needle and holder. As the second video is marked as age restricted you will need to click on the link to watch this directly on Youtube.
If you'd like to find out more about different blood bottles and what they are used for, watch the video below:
Check your Knowledge
Check your Knowledge
Click on the button below to navigate to the 'Take a Test' area of ClinicalSkills.net. Please make sure you're logged into ClinicalSkills.net already, otherwise you may not be able to open and take the test. Once you have reached the 'Take a Test' area, select 'Local Tests' and then click on the test called 'Venepuncture' to begin. You will need to score 80% or more to pass. Make sure you've read the ClinicalSkills.net procedure thoroughly before taking the test as many of the answers will be found within there!
Procedural Checklists
Procedural Checklists
Here you can open the step by step virtual checklist, which you can use on a smartphone or tablet:
Alternatively, you may wish to use the paper version of this, which you can open here (and print if required):
Other Materials
Other Materials
WHO guidelines on drawing blood: best practices in phlebotomy.
WHO guidelines on drawing blood: best practices in phlebotomy.
This guidance contains further more detailed information on the venepuncture process.
Click here to access the document: WHO Guidelines on Drawing Blood
Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Procedures (9th Edition): Venepuncture- Page 382-393 &402-407
ProQuest Ebook Central - Reader
Geeky Medics: Blood bottle guide.
Date reviewed:
Next review: August 2023
Page updated
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