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Procedure for taking blood

4 replies

NotInvolved · 14/10/2024 18:28

I had a blood test at the GP surgery today. The nurse (I assume- he didn't introduce himself) didn't clean my skin first, or wear gloves and I didn't see him wash his hands either. I guess he might have washed them before I came into the room, but if he did, he then touched the door handle, got the equipment out of a trolley, typed on a keyboard, then touched my arm before putting the needle in, then typed again straight after taking the blood, with no hand washing in between.
It's a while since I've had blood taken but this seemed very different to when I last had it done in hospital. Then the nurse felt my arm to find the right spot' wiped it with something and then washed her hands and put gloves on. Then everything went straight into the bin and she took the gloves off before she touched the computer. It all seemed a lot cleaner than what I experienced today,.
I know I should probably have asked at the time but I was a bit nervous and didn't like to challenge the nurse. Now I am wondering if I should say something next time I'm there. Is this the norm now or should I expect it to be more hygienic?

OP posts:
Weverunoutofteabags · 14/10/2024 18:31

Completely normal in my experience

Cranarc · 14/10/2024 18:38

I had blood taken today in hospital. The medic wore gloves but may well have been wearing them all morning and I am sure they were to protect her rather than me. She did not wipe my arm with any disinfectant. I have had loads of blood tests over the last few months and mostly they don't wipe, though sometimes they do.

BobbyBiscuits · 14/10/2024 18:59

I used to have my blood taken ever day for five weeks and the nurse/phlebotomist wore gloves, but it didn't seem like they changed them between each patient. They wipe with a disposable wipe then do it. I don't think there's much chance of infection as they put a dressing or cotton over the wound and that is sterile. And the kit they use is sterile, and nothing touches the puncture wound that isn't sterile.

Nursemumma92 · 14/10/2024 19:25

The issue here is the lack of hand washing/use of hand gel. The gloves are purely to protect the wearer rather than the patient as they are non sterile gloves.

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