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- Collection of specimens
- Fundamental steps common to all procedures
- Assemble the necessary equipment.
- Identify the child using two patient identifiers (e.g., patient name and medical record or birth date; neither can be a room number).
- Compare the same two identifiers with the specimen container and order.
- Perform hand hygiene, maintain aseptic technique, and follow Standard Precautions.
- Explain the procedure to parents and child according to the developmental level of the child; reassure the child that the procedure is not a punishment.
- Provide atraumatic care and position the child securely.
- Prepare area with antiseptic agent.
- Place specimens in appropriate containers, and apply a patient ID label to the specimen container in the presence of the child and family.
- Discard puncture device in puncture-resistant container near the site of use.
- Wash the procedural preparation agent off if povidone/iodine is used, if skin is sensitive, and for infants.
- Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene after the procedure.
- Have children wash their hands if they have helped.
- Praise the child for helping.
- Document pertinent aspects of the procedure, such as number of attempts, site and amount of blood or urine withdrawn, as well as type of test performed.
- Fundamental steps common to all procedures
- Collection of specimens
Healthy Eating and the Holidays
KEY POINTS ‘Tis the season for family, festivity, and food—lots of food. How do you manage diabetes during the holidays when food temptations are just
