Collection of specimens : Emergency Room Procedures

    • 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        • Document pertinent aspects of the procedure, such as number of attempts, site and amount of blood or urine withdrawn, as well as type of test performed.

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