engleski

Who is doing Phlebotomy in Europe?

Phlebotomy is the most common invasive procedure in health care, available worldwide. It is also the most common source of preanalytical errors. Errors in phlebotomy may compromise sample quality, affect laboratory test results and cause unnecessary delays. Moreover, errors in phlebotomy can cause patient discomfort and harm and jeopardize patient and personnel safety, by putting them at risk of different injuries to a various extent and blood-borne infections. Controlling and minimizing all potential sources of error is a demanding and challenging task. Major risks for healthcare workers related to phlebotomy are: Sharps injuries which can cause blood borne infections in health-care workers, Disease transmission through blood-borne and airborne infection, mainly associated with noncompliance with the basic principles of infection control (vaccination of healthcare professionals, sanitizing and washing hands, patient isolation, etc.). Major risks for patient injuries related to phlebotomy are: Fainting which may (if patient is falling from a venipuncture chair) potentially result in bone fractures and even some serious head injuries. It is the most common adverse event related to phlebotomy, Hematoma due to the subcutaneous accumulation of the blood in the proximity of the venipuncture site, Nerve damage (punctured or nicked nerve) which may lead to permanent disability, Arterial puncture or laceration which leads to bleeding into the venipuncture area with subsequent severe pain and possibly even nerve injury due to the tissue compression. Phlebotomy therefore requires solid theoretical knowledge and adequate practical skills. Knowledge and skills are acquired through education and training. By education, personnel involved in phlebotomy is learning about good laboratory practice, potential risks associated with any violation of the recommended procedure and related consequences and effects to the patient and health-care worker safety. Unfortunately education and training of phlebotomy personnel are lacking both worldwide and across Europe.

preanalytical phase, blood sampling

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