To expect site to be cleaned before blood taken

[Marshmallowmountain]

Had bloods done today at hospital and the nurse went straight in and took them without first cleaning the venepuncture site with a swab as I’ve always had before. Didn’t say anything at the time as was shocked. AIBU to complain? Surely this is against guidelines

No it’s fine.

It’s fine

okay that’s calmed me down a bit. I’ve never had them do it without doing the little alcohol swab thing before, so it seemed really strange. Why do they usually do the swab if it’s fine not to?

No new guidelines state that we don't need to clean the site unless it's visibly dirty.
Those of us that have been doing it for years often carry on out of habit.

It can actually interfere with test results if not allowed to dry sufficiently, which takes 30 seconds. It’s completely unnecessary and is outdated practice.

It’s unnecessary unless the site is particularly scruffy for some reason.

Thanks both!

Its how they do it now, but it would be nice of them to explain instead of expecting us to know.

I always think its odd that prison doctors swab the condemned man's arm with alcohol, prior to inserting the needle. I think i read the alcohol helps bring the vein nearer the skin so it helps inserting the needle and not to prevent infection

Yes exactly! I’m awful with needles and blood anyway so it’s always a high stress situation for me hence the panic!