Arterial blood sampling

• Arterial blood sample is used for selective

studies &usually taken by trained person or
clinician.

• Indications – Arterial blood gas analysis

 Arterial blood sampling
• Materials required

• Pre heparinized syringe & needle 20,23,25

gauge
• Bandage to cover the puncture site
• Container with crushed ice for transportation
if it is not a point of care testing (POCT)
• local anesthetic and additional syringe
 Arterial blood sampling
Selection of site
 
• Radial artery located on the thumb side of the wrist
It is superficial,but small vessel.
• Brachial artery , Femoral artery –
Deep seated & so difficult to locate
Damage to adjacent structure
Poor collateral circulation.
 Arterial blood sampling
• Procedure
 
1. Identify the patient .Place the patient comfortably on their back.

2. Locate the radial artery by allen test.

3. Follow safety precautions for person as well as site disinfectants

4. Take sterile syringe with needle & heparinize it

5. Hold the syringe like a dart,locate the pulse with index finger again,inform
the patient about needle puncture.
 Arterial blood sampling
• Procedure (Cont)

6. Insert the needle at 45 degree approximately 1cm distal to the index finger to
avoid contamination.

7. Advance the needle into the artery till blood flashback appears.

8. Allow the syringe to fill to the appropriate level .

9. Do not pull back the syringe plunger.

10. Withdraw the needle &syringe,Apply pressure with gauze for sufficient time (3-5
minutes) to stop the bleeding.
 Arterial blood sampling
• Procedure (Cont)
11. More time is needed for hypertensive patients and patient on
anticoagulant drugs.

12. Use one hand scoop technique for recapping needle . Capping
is to prevent contact between sample and air & to prevent leaking
during transport to the laboratory

13. Label the syringe. Dispose all materials properly.

 Arterial blood sampling
• Procedure (Cont)

14. Hand wash with alcohol rub solution .

15. Check the site for bleeding.Thank the patient

16. Transport it in a container with crushed ice.

 Arterial blood sampling
• Sampling error

1. Air in the syringe

2. collection of venous blood rather than arterial blood
3. Insufficient heparin
4. Improper mixing of blood
5. Delay in transport
 
 Arterial blood sampling
• Complications
•  1. Pain due to Arteriospasm or involuntary contraction of
arteries –Reassure & relax the patient
• 2.Hematoma- Prevented by immediate pressure application
after needle removal & for long time,close supervision of
arrest of bleeding.
• 3.Nerve damage- Avoid by Choosing appropriate site
• 4.Fainting or vaso vagal response – Prevented by taking
blood in supine position with elevated legs
• 5.Feeling of giddiness,fall in blood pressure,sweating –Keep
the patient supine position with elevated legs