Post Sampling Responsibilities

Post-draw Tissue Site Management

1. Immediately after sample is obtained and needle is removed from tissue site, gauze-dressing pressure is to be applied to the site of needle insertion. While some persons have the practice of applying an adhesive bandage over the site to control bleeding, such practice is not well supported in the literature. The adhesive bandage does not exert sufficient pressure on the site to occlude the potential leak in the vessel, but at least it may serve as a temporary barrier against microbes.
2. Pressure should be maintained for five (5) minutes, or longer if clotting delay is suspected. (See appendix A below)
3. Optimally, pulse monitoring will be done distal to the draw site, using pulse oximeter.

---

Appendix A

Coagulation: Normal Values

• ACT                  90-130 seconds
• APTT                 15-25 seconds
• Platelets                 140,000 to 450,000/ml
• Plasminogen         62-130%
• PT                         10-14 seconds
• PTT                         32-45 seconds
• FSP       greater than 10 micrograms/dl
• Fibrinogen                 160-450 mg/dl
• Bleeding time                 3-7 minutes
• Thrombin time         11-15 seconds

Return to Lesson 1 Directory

Web author has no conflict of interest with any bandage company.