Skill Practice #3: The Butterfly Blood Draw

[@aknaz47]

As a master phlebotomist who worked in NYC doing house calls I would like to add that back of the hand is also my last place to go. Out of 100 patients I would use the back of the hand may be once or twice and 99% of those patients would have no bruises and are done with 1 stick. The key to my success was butterfly 23g and 21g needles, palpating and knowing the anatomy. Best of luck to all who want to be a phlebotomist, it’s a very challenging, yet very rewarding not in salary but in smiles you get when you do a great job.

[@aircavmedic]

RN, IV nurse 1 year extra schooling including pharmokinetics, as we gave Chemo , blood, plasma , antibiotics & everything else IV. For blood draw, I agree. But for IV( realize this is phlebotomy) but I have deep respect for my colleagues. Depending on how long IV may be in, most of us would start with hand distally so we could move upwards if phlebitis, infiltration etc. For metacarpal veins, ( it might be covered) tapping on vein so it would fill hitting receptors. I also many times depending on age, indirect approach ( between bifurcation. Everything from 16ga to 30 scalp veins ( yes in neonatal scalp) . IV nurse can go anywhere, even feet with MD ok. Great videos, a shame you cannot go near radial artery. Most I worked with were highly skilled. Videos well executed. Nice channel

[@TheWelcome7]

Not rewarding in salary at first you mean, depending on experience right?

[@MsMrsbryan]

Hhg

[@tdhatcher25]

Huh they good money .

[@tdhatcher25]

​@Carlos Danny Vasquez thank you for correcting him .

[@faizah6433]

I have been watching all your videos multiple times, as a phlebotomy student , which made it easy for me to be able to perform venipuncture using both needles thank you.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

That is great to hear. Thank you for watching.

[@guerlinestfort6717]

Hyyyh I'll

[@innocencedirector]

Definitely the best phlebotomy instruction video I've managed to find. Tons of great nuggets of information, and I love how you demonstrate how to position the tube holder to not lose the needle. As silly as it sounds I have so much trouble with that, and this was the only video that addressed it.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

[@012345678972887]

This is excellent. I've been working as a Lab Assistant for the last month. I've had to draw blood on patients and have been having some trouble with anchoring skin for the hands.

[@sezenuzay]

Hiya! I haven't taken blood from anyone for a long time. I now start again training and learning. And you videos very helpful so many have a information. Thank you so much!!!

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

@@sezenuzay Thank you for watching.

[@iesha3703]

I'm a student now and in my clinicals and I'm getting no help from the staff where I am doing mine and I've been doing it myself wrong watching this I feel I've learned more then clinicals. I have been putting the tourniquet on first then grabbing my needle and tubes and then I was taking the alcohol prep and rubbing it all over the site area for a vein. Sigh well all wrong like I said I wasn't being guided they're all doing it that same way I am glad I found this so I atleast can do it the right way now! 😊

[@jessem3149]

Have consistently had issues with this. Your tip on going at the vein at an angle instead of directly on the vein in case it moves, etc is gold, the explanation really helped me understand the reasoning and cant wait to try this, as those rolling veins are my bane.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you, and thank you for watching.

[@mtnriffraff68]

Thanks for emphasizing “needle out and away” -SO important. When I took the class, if we didn’t do that during practice, we’d get a fail and have to start over, even if the rest of the technique was correct.

[@juliakopacz1177]

Thank you for this! I am studying to be a Medical Assistant and this made my super long notes come to life and helped me understand it better. :) Online school is rough, especially because I am basically teaching myself at this point, but this was very helpful.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

I’m glad my videos helped. Thank you. Good luck with school.

[@mtnriffraff68]

I can’t imagine having to do these kinds of classes online, I feel for you students young and seasoned going through school right now. My hope is that this experience makes you stronger and all the more compassionate.😊

[@rafaa212723]

Just be a nurse. MA is useless

[@2012misspink]

You got this ! I'm trying to refresh my memory on this been out of school since 2007'

[@erika6651]

@@rafaa212723 Every position in the medical arts, whether it be Medical Assistants, Techs, Phlebotomists or nurses, is useful, and in great need. Don't ever claim one is "useless".

[@rakelabellas5230]

OMGOSH THANK GOD FOR YOU. I told all the other students in my class . Phlebotomy can be scary but with your videos i feel much more at ease. Thank you .

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for the wonderful comment. I’m glad my videos help you and your class. ❤️

[@halfblueeye]

Your videos hand down are the best. I'm one of the best phlebotomist now thanks to you!

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you so much for that kind comment. But I only provide the information. You are the best because you apply it to your patients and make the difference to them with your skills.

[@demarquisedwards2055]

I'm a phlebotomist and the butterfly needles are easy at times sometimes it make the patient arm to swell very fast this helps out alot

[@aircavmedic]

You are highly qualified, well educated. So, you did use indirect approach- outstanding. I did slightly bend butterfly wings. Whatever works. You are at RN level wether you realize it, knowledge wise. Someone can always learn from a colleague. Love icon

[@aircavmedic]

Keep it up, it’s a rare skill and you have it. I realize you are phlebotomist. I am no smarter just opportunities. An IV RN administers many meds, starts distal and we work proximal. Outstanding site, I enjoyed it a lot. You have an exquisite skill & teaching level 👍

[@gracetalgo4999]

You are a professor...how many videos have i watched...but like your videos i have never watched you are amazing coach God bless you

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed them

[@gracetalgo4999]

🌷😊❤️ a lot

[@detse1711]

As an RN who work with geriatric rehab I’ve found your videos very informative. I got more success using butterfly 23g than using straight needle technique. My favorite is median cubital vein and cephalic vein. I try to avoid back of hand as much as possible.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you so much for watching and the comment. 🙏

[@detse1711]

@@PhlebotomySolutions 🙏🏽

[@nicaalyssashanearauag8029]

This is exactly what I'm looking for, sir! I commend you for demonstrating how to use a winged infusion set in detail! Thank you so much💖✨🤗

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

You are welcome and thank you for watching.

[@claravilloria360]

I was very afraid ..for a month…watched your videos and my first night I did the 7 patients… thanks for making this girls a “vampire”❤

[@4444.haylee]

I'm taking college classes in high school for health careers and it is really easy thank you for your videos!

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for watching.

[@4444.haylee]

@@PhlebotomySolutions No problem!

[@happygolucky5855]

Had a difficult vein the other day using a butterfly like drawing out concrete. Ended up removing the needle to the vancuainer and attatched a syringe to the butterfly. Worked perfectly

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Great to hear.

[@madeline2282]

I've been having such an issue with butterflies in the hand, esp with older patients... I'm a new PCT on a med surg floor, I didn't get a lot of instruction on how exactly to do blood draws. Thank you SO MUCH for these videos. I'm going to try your advice of going from the side instead of right on top of the veins. It makes perfect sense, but I've never heard it explained like that Does a patient being in blood thinners make any difference when drawing? Aside from monitoring bleeding

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

The patient on blood thinners could have fragile veins due to the medication so keep that in mind. Thank you for the comment and support.

[@madeline2282]

@@PhlebotomySolutions thank you for reply! I just sent this channel to my coworker who also just started drawing blood. This is so helpful.

[@TheMeesha37]

This video is everything! Making me feel so much better about clinicals.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

I’m glad they helped you. Thank you for watching.

[@lekishacoleman5667]

I love watching your videos i am taking notes I will be taking my phlebotomy classes in June 2022

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Great to hear.

[@cierapaige9139]

This was great instruction! I am a monile phlebotomist but there are still some things I dont have much experience with and this was super helpful

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

[@jessicagowins1834]

How did you become a mobile phlebotomist with not much experience? I am almost done with my class and I am so interested in doing that.

[@marikatecarlisle3988]

Your a great instructor. Returning LVN I needed this!! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Marikate Carlisle Thank you. I’m glad it helped you. Best wishes on your return to LVN.

[@Kat_AmelyasMommy]

He also uses his terminology which shows he knows what he’s doing 😊

[@missp7316]

Wow .. I’m forever grateful for your videos I’ve learned so much in such a short space of time very informative I will officially be signed off this week hopefully everything should go well 🙏🏻thank you again 😊

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate all your support. 🙏

[@RuppSkeet]

great video and excellent explanations as to WHY you do or do not do things

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you.

[@christinejackson599]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You made this so easy. My instructor is very mean and impatient.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for watching. And I’m sorry for your instructor.

[@TheWelcome7]

The part about being able to see the flash is what I was hoping you’d go over.. I thought you had to strictly hold the wings to do it properly but I agree you can’t see the flash if you do it by the book.

[@mariawang2672]

Excellent teaching that is effective and right to the point!

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you!

[@shamikawilson3815]

Thank You So Much For This. I start clinicals tomorrow as a phlebotomist, and I really this.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Great to hear. Just relax and enjoy the experience at clinical.

[@aussiemedtutes4484]

I like the tip on advancing from the side rather than straight on, I'll give it a shot. Thanks :)

[@hbic3]

Yeah, don't. He's wrong about that. Entirely wrong.

[@beckstar78]

@@hbic3 why?

[@pickyprincess888]

You are a good instructor

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you.

[@captainplanet1260]

I've hemochromatosis and the med system here is abysmal here in Ireland so I've to take my own blood out. Great advice thank you

[@joschtuegs2562]

I like to have my index and ring finger on the front of the the butterfly wings and have my thumb on the other side, to stabilise it. You can still see the flash, and you have more stability

[@mahaalkhatib4823]

Awesome explanation, thank you

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for watching.

[@amandasmith1794]

Thank you for this...when ever I go to doctors they can never find vein easily to get blood an mostly want to poke me a number of times...No!I tell them they usually get it out of the side of my hand an with a butterfly ..but I've had my skin bubble up with bruising always when putting in a needle...where the vein was not the rite one...smh I hate being stuck with needles

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

You are welcome. I’m glad the video helped. It’s rough when you have difficulty veins.

[@user-mt2co8ip4u]

I really struggle with holding the butterfly in place and also putting the tubes in. I'll try your method of holding the hub in the same hand as the needle

[@innocencedirector]

So glad I found someone with the exact same problem as me! Here's to hoping his method works.

[@ShayAlliah]

Remind me to never meet y'all both

[@evelynanguiano3155]

@@ShayAlliah they’re learning. That’s okay. It takes practice

[@mrserinpaul]

Great video, thank you. Question: How do you do this in a lab chair? I struggle having a good flat area to set my tubes.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

@@mrserinpaul You need to put your tubes in your tray next to you or on the bed.

[@nursemichelecheng]

Thank you for the wonderful resources! I draw blood very infrequently but am being reassigned to draw confirmatory tests in the field. (The bulk of my blood draw history was on L&D and honestly I could see the veins really well. So it was a lot easier) The majority of my patients now are IV drug users with tricky veins. I’m going to have to get good at feeling them from now on. Just curious do you ever go in if you can’t feel anything and just hope based on anatomy you hit the vein? I have enjoyed brushing up using your videos. I also just purchased your book and am excited to read it this weekend. Thanks for all the help!

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for watching. I never go in blind. I always try to find a vein on the arm, hand or wrist areas.

[@ElizabethMartinez-rw2gc]

Very educational ☺️ love all of your videos, thank you

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for the support! I’m glad the videos are helping.

[@ElizabethMartinez-rw2gc]

Definitely ..help me .. I appreciate your Knowledge and experience ☺️

[@aubriaolds2658]

Hi, could you make a video using 17g size needle for plasma collection?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for the suggestion.

[@schioncalzanzi2019]

Awesome demonstration however when you invert the filled tubes you must invert them carefully and not rigorously correct?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Yes, carefully. Don’t shake the tubes while inverting them.

[@Emlaak]

Thanks for your videos on phlebotomy. I am a student an these videos are very helpful.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for the comment. I’m glad the videos are helping you.

[@Sophia-gc5yz]

Your videos are so helpful so far! I have a question, if smaller sized tubes and thus smaller blood quantities drawn from a child/infant are sufficient to run a successful test, why is it necessary to obtain a larger blood sample from an adult? Are results more accurate with larger samples in general? Thank you!

[@emyrichardson5276]

Larger quantities of blood are always appreciated. For example, multiple tests for one tube or if the machine gets an error and you have to rerun the sample. I remember being annoyed at pipetting the bare minimum quanities and it just making bubbles 😅

[@madhatter8509]

awesome video! do you know why we have to angle the tubes horizontally while filling it with blood? I understand it is to prevent cross contamination of additives, but wouldn't it be better to angle it vertically?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for the question. The tube does need to fill from the bottom up to prevent cross over of additives. It goes low additive content to high content which can contaminate the results.

[@oney375]

I do fine with the straight needle. I’m really struggling with the butterfly

[@jenanjuice2003]

Best video so far;)

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you. ❤️

[@nehemiealberick5769]

I really like your teaching. You're a great teacher. Question if you need to re draw again because you missed the vein, do you use a new needle and tube?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Great question. You should never reuse a needle after you have taken it out of the arm. It is now considered contaminated, and you must use a new needle to redraw the blood.

[@aesus8100]

I've had issues with butterfly in hands for a while. One phleb said to go in slowly until you're sure you're in the vein. I've missed even larger hand veins, mostly by going in too shallow.

[@plantladybritt2284]

Very informative video. What if my butterfly has the spring retracting safety? Would I still remove the butterfly needle & then activate spring safety? Thank you.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Great question. That is an option. You can activate the safety lock after you are done filling up the tube while the needle is still in the hand or arm. Or you can take the needle out and then activate the safety feature. Both are perfectly fine to do.

[@haleyanderson6018]

so do you not have to pinch the wings together? I'm confused

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Hello Haley. Pinching the wings is an option. As I showed in the video you can hold the base so you can see the flash of blood when you enter the vein. It’s harder to see if you hold the wings.

[@haleyanderson6018]

@@PhlebotomySolutions thank you!

[@MariaMFont]

I love your securiry.

[@erikavignacit7460]

This is brilliant and so helpful! Does the skin need to be ancored in a special point ? And it's a goo tecnique to hold the vein?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Great question. You should anchor close to the knuckle like in the video. You should hold the anchor until you are in the vein.

[@ramabarry7816]

When I went for my MRI this pricked me 5 times just to get an IV

[@Anna-rc1px]

Thank you for this very helpful video. Butterfly method is something I have to keep practicing. My issue is when I have to insert & switch the tubes. We are not allowed to let go of the wings in class so I have to use one hand . I have a hard time with my manual dexterity🤦🏻‍♀️ So I will keep practicing.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for watching.

[@AA-cl5nk]

I am student and this is helpful..any info on identifying the correct vein as i have tough time finding veins

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

I have a video on finding hard veins and which ones to look for first.

[@alexisjaramillo4021]

Yes I do too girl your not alone

[@amberhealth9792]

Show me the video on how to find hard veins

[@amberhealth9792]

@@PhlebotomySolutions which videos are those to find hard vein please send it to me [e-mail]

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

@@amberhealth9792 The videos are right here on my channel list. Just scroll and look.

[@jackiem8460]

I was trained to never hold the body because you can retract the needle accidentally

[@avacairns9126]

wait you're allowed to put the red tube in before the light blue??

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

With a butterfly needle only. You must clear the air in the tubing by using the red tube first. The light blue needs to fill all the way without air.

[@krimezofkolor4683]

So you don’t let the butterfly go? We were taught we can let it go but I noticed sometimes it does move

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

It is not recommended, but you can if you feel it’s sturdy enough.

[@krimezofkolor4683]

@@PhlebotomySolutions okay thanks for this reply !!! I’m almost done with my phlebotomy class this week and I’m preparing for the NHA . Any tips on what to study in particular ? And do you invert the tubes once the needle is out of the patient or before you remove it ?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

@@krimezofkolor4683 I would suggest you take any practice exams that NHA gives. Also, you should invert the tubes after each fill to activate the additive inside. The tubes should not sit there without inverting.

[@krimezofkolor4683]

@@PhlebotomySolutions thank you so much .😊

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

@@krimezofkolor4683 Welcome

[@chassiddywilliams3309]

wow! this video is amazing! thank you so much!

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you so much for watching.

[@minnie3906]

I'm having a test soon I'm really scared. Can I ask the doctor to take my blood test from my hand instead of my arm? It hurts in the arm.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Yes, you can request it.

[@rosemariegoodman4403]

Thank you I can't get blood I am having trouble. But thanks to your viddeo I hope to get some blood😊

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for watching.

[@herusaleron6793]

I know this is older at this point but I have a question. We are now being taught to not do concentric circles while cleaning the area and that CLSI now recommends back and forth cleaning motion. Am I being told correctly?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

CLSI has not changed their position. It is still concentric circles. Whoever told you it changed, ask them for the reference and proof.

[@herusaleron6793]

@@PhlebotomySolutions Will do! I personally like the way the concentric circles feels better anyway but they’ve been making us do back and forth. Was trying to find the CLSI standards online but can’t.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

@@herusaleron6793 The CLSI standard is found in their text book Phlebotomy Essentials, and in their training videos.

[@herusaleron6793]

@@PhlebotomySolutions Oh that’s the textbook I have though! Let me go look it up in the book.

[@herusaleron6793]

@@PhlebotomySolutions Page 235 of Phlebotomy Essentials, 7th edition by Ruth McCall says, “Use back and forth friction to clean an area 2 to 3 in in diameter and around the selected site of needle entry. Although previous CLSI standards recommended using a circular motion that involved cleaning outward in ever-widening concentric circles, that method is no longer considered necessary because new studies show that back and forth friction is superior to circular cleaning.”

[@EDW-task8]

So when a vet nurse presses your arm and keeps the turn on till your about down.....might cause clots or future issues? Esspeically if done over and over again and made to look like im the one being finicky and passing out.........thanks the few nurses at san diego AHF! How many times to really mess me up or get the medical board up on there?

[@Destiny_Flower24]

Very informative video I liked

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you

[@lizzstrongstrong4930]

Amazing class❤😊

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you!

[@elizabetharagon3848]

Thank you for your videos and your knowledge you've been very helpful

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Elizabeth Aragon I’m glad you enjoy them.

[@sreddi83]

@@PhlebotomySolutions Hey do you do any Cannulation or ABG videos?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

sreddi83 Great question. At this time we do not. The reason is that both are not part of phlebotomy practice.

[@anampc6678]

Thank you! Excellent lesson.

[@raquelmena0201]

At what degree angle is the adequate angle on the hands?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

The angle is 5-10 degrees.

[@gayleyantzi8677]

I will be training for phlebotomy technician. Are all schools the same?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

No, not every school is the same. Choose wisely.

[@BlindRedWolf]

Just found your channel. Love it. Thanks for the amazing tips and awesome information. Do you have a video on how to draw on patients who have IV’s or how to draw on patients who are full of fluid? They are so difficult? I need help with them?!

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for the comment. Yes, we have some videos that discuss those issues.

[@jeufuyang6261]

Would you go on the side of the vein like how you did with the hands and butterfly but on the anticubital area with a straight needle? Because sometimes some veins on the anticubital area also moves a lot

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Yes, you can.

[@TH-qv6ef]

what is that type of butterfly called that plugs into a vaccutainer? Also, what kind of tubes would I need to draw blood into for spinning for PRP?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

It is a standard 21 or 25g butterfly without the vacutainer. Also, you will need a 4.6 mL VT.

[@TH-qv6ef]

@@PhlebotomySolutions thank you

[@elizabetharagon3848]

I recently had my blood draw on back of my hand with 21G by EMT @urgent care then he explained it is the standard 21G for the hand. As a result he blown-out the vein and said he said its ur fault why that happened to my hand.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Elizabeth Aragon Sorry to hear that. The EMT obviously doesn’t know what he is doing so he blames you.

[@Fhornergal]

That's ridiculous! How can the patient be responsible?! 😤

[@hbic3]

Maybe it was your fault. Did you move? Squeeze your fist? Tense up? All these actions can and almost always WILL cause blown vein. If the vein is large enough for a 21, then he should not have used smaller. The clumps of red cells will be bigger in larger veins, so asking them to be sucked violently thru a 23g into a vacuum tube will rip them apart and hemolyze your sample making it unusable.

[@zachmyers8928]

@@PhlebotomySolutions the butterfly needle doesn’t hurt?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

@@zachmyers8928 Every needle puncture gives a pinch.

[@marthsdiang8884]

Great video. Sir, we draw blood for many reasons and what is really the quantity needed for each? The same diagnosis but different quantities for infants and adults.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for the question. Please watch my other videos on the topic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4qqdp6wp9aAi5I

[@Friedel009]

If I draw 6 tubes of blood for PRF purposes, should I be concerned about the blood concentration if patient is pumping his fist? Thank you!

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

The patient should never pump the fist before or during the blood draw.

[@insideshowbizjourneyagains73]

How is the bleeding controlled going sideways into the vein of a hand? For my personal knowledge

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

I’m not sure I understand your question. Can you be more specific? Thank you.

[@fatihamoslemi2094]

Thank you so much It is really helpful

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for watching.

[@minnie3906]

Can I ask the doctor to take my blood test from hand instead of arm? It hurts in the arm.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

@@minnie3906 Yes, you can request it.

[@davidcabrera2018]

my externship site encouraged pulling the butterfly safety device while it’s in the patients arm. is this against CLSI standards?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Great question. No, it’s not against CLSI standards. It’s a preference with the retractable needles.

[@davidcabrera2018]

@@PhlebotomySolutions Awesome. Just making sure because they also encouraged redirecting and fishing the needle to find the vein-but i know that’s definitely not allowed. It’s a small hospital in a small town. Many patients had bruises from previous draws :(

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

@@davidcabrera2018 Yes, never fish. You can move deeper or pull back on the needle but never fish. That is against CLSI standards and the standard of care.

[@ashleysnyder1894]

with me and my kids they always fish I hate it. It's so painful. Can I tell them no fishing??

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Yes, you can tell them not to fish or to get another phlebotomist who has more experience. That is your right.

[@melb.2812]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@k.k8791]

Is ok to inset the needle from the top at an angle? .cuz that's how we r being taught

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

You can enter the vein from an angle anywhere on the back of the hand. As long as it’s 5 to 10° degree angle.

[@rain1641]

Hello, I’m a first year medical technology student and we’re gonna perform butterfly needle draw. What does it mean when I hit the vein (there is backflow) but then it stops, not even reaching in the middle. What do I do when this happens? Your response is greatly appreciated, thanks.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Great question. There are a number factors to consider. Needle placement could be off. The blood tube collector can be defective. The bevel of the needle could be inserted wrong. I have other videos that go into detail on why you are not getting blood flow from a butterfly needle.

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Check out this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZyUmIKJeq6Letksi=J8tSL7F2Q19BsXD0

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Also this video at 8:18 mark. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmfXhWaBapp1r6ssi=26h3fIabVTlDFxyB

[@rain1641]

@@PhlebotomySolutions thank you so much, I think my needle placement is wrong because once I let go of the butterfly needle after inserting it, the needle looks like its pushing the skin upward. Also, I don’t use a vacutainer, I connect it to the barrel of the syringe. I will try again so I can get it right. Thanks!!

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

@@rain1641 Don’t let the needle go. Hold on to it. I mention that in my video. Also, I was referring to the tube with the additive that collects the blood. It could be a bad tube.

[@taniarolle8584]

Do you have to hold the needle through the whole draw?

[@twinkiewinkie25sugarplum77]

No

[@shavonnewilliams]

So the bigger the needle the smaller the gage ? And the smaller the needle the bigger the gage ? So a straight needle for a venipuncture is 21 or 22 and butterfly is only used for hands ? N it's gonna be 23?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Great question. The standard needle is 21g. Butterfly needles can be 21g and 23g. The 23g is for the hands and the 21g butterfly can be used at the ante cubital fossa area.

[@shavonnewilliams]

@@PhlebotomySolutions okay and will I need to use a 21g for a 90° angle needle I think that's intramuscular right ?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

@@shavonnewilliams No, the correct angle is 15 to 30 degrees only.

[@anntorrecampo9554]

While drawing the blood why cannot release the tonicquard?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Releasing the tourniquet to soon can relax the vein and blood flow can stop.

[@anntorrecampo9554]

@@PhlebotomySolutions thank you

[@Birdie83]

Very helpful thank you so much

[@MariMari-jp9ho]

Thank you so much your great

[@pamelapoole4902]

Very informative

[@Steve-vl9ed]

I’ve had problems with blood draws but one phlebotomist offered me to take it out the back of my hand, which reduced both the physical pain and the irrational stress of the procedure. Is back of the hand with a butterfly available for all potential draws upon the patient’s request?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

You can request the blood draw as you want. You have the final word.

[@Steve-vl9ed]

Thanks so much for the quick reply

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

@@Steve-vl9ed welcome

[@claireforrest6451]

Would you tell a surgeon how to do your operation? If the answer is no then don’t tell the phlebotomist how to do their job ! Trust me it’s frustrating. Also going to a hand is a last resort. Arms first. Phlebotomy 101

[@Jen-qd7sc]

So does the tourniquet stay on during the lab draw?

[@rhynita]

No

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Gname It should only stay on for one minute or less.

[@angelsky9887]

do you talk about taking the License test for MLA/T and any study tips on that?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

We don’t have anything on that subject at this time. Sorry.

[@Jhene33]

Do you have a class or a course you offer

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Only in CA

[@chaldean3941]

Some blood will get into the red tube when you extract the air out of the needle, correct? I assume that red dummy tube will be a bit bloody inside for the sole purpose of clearing out the air?

[@beautifullbanksfashionshoe8970]

you are the truth wow thank you so much for this FUCKIN video I've been on KZbin trying to do this for 2 hours and everybody I watch was a piece of shit literally yours was so good this video literally is the best thank you so much excuse all the profanity I am using on this comment it's just I had a stressful FUCKIN 😖😭😂 night LOL you made me smile at the end of the night⌚💪🏻💪🏾 thank you so very much for this video😍😍😍

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

I’m very happy my videos helped you. No more stress. 👍

[@KaiOsmon]

can you please tell me how would you use butterfly needle for phlebotomy (blood donation)? what size is safe, 18-21 gauge?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Kai Osmon Great question. 18 gauge is typical for blood donation blood draws. Unless the person has fragile veins then and only then who you consider using a smaller gauge needle like a 21.

[@KaiOsmon]

Phlebotomy Solutions when you do 250 ml phlebotomy using 21g butterfly, what do you use as a blood collection container?

[@Aleena8700]

Your awesome! So helpful!

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you. And thank you for watching.

[@Aleena8700]

@@PhlebotomySolutions 😃

[@alalan754]

Good explanation

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Thank you for watching.

[@pamelapoole4902]

I love this video

[@decodingcap9965]

Is there any evidence to show squeezing a ball or making frequent fists prior to drawing blood is no more recommended? What about during IV Cannulation?

[@PhlebotomySolutions]

Hello. Here are a couple of links below. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20801569/ www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6816923/

[@decodingcap9965]

@@PhlebotomySolutions Thanks alot. 🤩 I am binging on your high yielding videos.

[@hopelightninstrikem8167]

Whenever I get my blood drawn, the Phlebotomist uses a butterfly needle on me. I guess because I have sensitive veins or something. I used to be afraid of getting my blood drawn, but now I'm used to it.