Blood Withdrawal from Intravenous Catheters by ED Nurses: Comparison of Two Practices

Contribution to Emergency Nursing Practice
- By providing the nurses working in the emergency department evidence that a change in practice will help them in their flow of work and contribute to getting their work done faster. Furthermore contributing in decreasing length of stay and decrease emergency department overcrowding.
- By creating an easy way to make care provided to patients be more holistic, helping the emergency department nurses satisfy their patients more and be empowered as patient advocates.
- By provided a new practice where the emergency department nurse would provide care in all aspects to safety for patient and themselves in light of reduction of sharp injuries, blood and body fluid exposure by using the vacationer system.Abstract ProblemLaboratory tests are essential to diagnosis and treatment in the emergency department, but they can result in prolonged waiting times for patients, multiple needle pricks, and complaints about pain and discomfort. The goal of this project is to assess if a change in the blood collection process will lead to any improvement and benefit in care delivered with regard to time, patient comfort, and cost.MethodsA feasibility study was conducted to evaluate the change in practice from cost, time, and applicability perspectives. Using an observational approach, data were collected about the management of a possible change in practice in the emergency department at American University of Beirut Medical Center. Trials of 2 proposed changes to practice were conducted and compared with the current practice. The nurses were trained in the proper use of blood withdrawal using a Vacutainer Luer adaptor.ResultsIt was shown that intravenous line insertion and blood collection processes using the Vacutainer Luer adaptor were conducted in 46.2 seconds, which is less time spent than the current process but requires a small investment.Implications for PracticeAllowing registered nurses to withdraw blood with the start of a peripheral intravenous line will significantly reduce length of stay and costs and enhance patient experience in the emergency department at American University of Beirut Medical Center.