Venepuncture & Cannulation CPD

Service Description

. Understanding the Procedures Venepuncture (blood sampling) • Know indications: blood tests, lab samples, monitoring • Know contraindications: infection at site, thrombosed vein, patient refusal • Understand anatomy: veins commonly used (antecubital fossa, dorsum of hand) Cannulation (IV access) • Know indications: IV fluids, medications, emergency access • Know contraindications: infection at site, thrombosed vein, vascular disease • Understand anatomy: suitable veins for cannula insertion 2. Preparation • Verify patient identity and consent • Check allergies (especially latex, adhesives) • Check prescription/order (blood tests, fluids, medication) • Gather equipment: o Needles, cannulas, syringes, vacutainers o Tourniquet, alcohol swabs, gloves, PPE o Sharps container, adhesive dressing, gauze 3. Infection Control • Hand hygiene before and after procedure • Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, apron if needed) • Clean site with alcohol swab using circular motion • Maintain sterile technique for cannulation 4. Procedure – Venepuncture • Apply tourniquet 5–10 cm above site • Palpate vein, select suitable vein • Insert needle at 15–30° angle • Collect blood into correct tubes in order of draw • Release tourniquet before withdrawing needle • Apply pressure and dressing to site 5. Procedure – Cannulation • Apply tourniquet and palpate vein • Clean site thoroughly • Insert cannula at correct angle (usually 15–30°) • Confirm flashback of blood in cannula • Advance cannula into vein, withdraw needle • Secure cannula with adhesive dressing • Attach IV line or cap as required • Flush cannula with saline if needed • Check patient comfort, circulation, and patency 6. Monitoring & Complications • Observe for bleeding, swelling, pain, redness, or infiltration • Recognise signs of infection or phlebitis • Respond to adverse reactions or fainting • Know BLS & anaphylaxis response in emergencies 7. Documentation • Record procedure in patient notes: o Date, time, procedure type (venepuncture/cannulation) o Site, equipment used, practitioner name o Any complications or patient Content • Anatomy of the peripheral vascular system • Common veins used (median cubital, cephalic, basilic, dorsal hand veins) • Arteries, nerves, and structures to avoid • Physiology of blood flow and vein selection in different populations • Factors affecting vein quality (hydration, age, obesity, chemotherapy, etc.) Activities • practice on volunteer or simulation manikin MCQ Assessment