Standard operating procedure for venesection during Covid-19

The latest guidance from the HSE on performing venesections in light of the current pandemic

To develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for registered nurses/doctors to perform venesection procedure while restarting venesection services locally, or where agreed by clinicians and hospital managers for patients being treated in the blood transfusion service or in private hospital facilities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Therapeutic venesection involves removing a set amount of blood from the vein for patients who have either a raised haematocrit or iron overload. Patients will be assessed by the hepatology/gastroenterology clinic prior to their first venesection. Blood tests for full blood count (FBC), ferritin, iron and transferrin saturation should be assessed on presentation. Maintenance blood tests collected/documented monthly/or as indicated by the hepatologist. FBC or HemoCue determination of Hb should be collected prior to every venesection. HFE genetic subtype should be documented in the first referral letter.

Each patient should have a routine hepatology clinic follow-up in place, or GP review. Nurses/doctors involved in the procedure must have been assessed and competent in venepuncture and cannulation in addition to being competent to undertake this procedure.

Equipment

•   Prescription for procedure and patient consent.

•   Non-sterile gloves and disposable plastic apron. In addition, all healthcare staff when on duty are required to wear a surgical facemask, as per the HSPC guidelines:

•   Large sharps container, large enough to accommodate one or more blood bags and associated tubing, ie, 2.5ltr or 5ltr.

•   Disposable tourniquet.

•   Sterile gauze and micropore tape.

•   2 per cent chlorhexidine in 70 per cent alcohol wipe.

•   Blood pack unit with integral needle.

•   Blood-weighing scales.

•   Prescribed IV fluids (if required).

Preparation

1. Confirm patient identity verbally with patient and prescription for procedure.

2. Ensure patient understands treatment procedure and has given consent.

3. Record the patient’s pre-venesection blood pressure and pulse to ensure this is within safe limits. If systolic is less than 100 or greater than 170 or the diastolic is more than 100, consult with the doctor.

4. Check medical notes/patient progress form to monitor the stability of the patient’s haemoglobin and to see if a full blood count is required prior to venesection; if so, perform accordingly. A HemoCue Hb check will be carried out prior to procedure. If result is consistently within the criteria stipulated on their progress sheet, then a full blood count and ferritin, if required, can be performed during the venesection process and reviewed retrospectively. Hb must be 11.5g/dl or higher for venesection to proceed. Record the results on the progress sheet in the patient’s medical notes.

5. Proceed to venesection if the ferritin level and red cell indices fall within the criteria indicated on the patient’s protocol. If in any doubt, discuss with the doctor.

6. If venesection is not required, discuss date of next appointment with patient and doctor.

Procedure

1.    Patients will be treated in line with individual patient care plan, disease-specific protocols, signed by the medical team managing the patients care.

2.    Ensure that the patient is well hydrated, ie, has consumed 500-1,000ml of fluid during the hour prior to the procedure.

3.    Lie the patient down in a semi-prone position supported with pillows on a bed/reclining chair. The reclining position is in case the patient feels unwell and becomes hypotensive during the procedure due to the blood being venvesected.

4.    Wash hands and put on disposable gloves, apron and face mask, as per hospital policy.

5.    Prepare for the venesection by placing the blood collection bag on a scales.

6.    Identify a suitable vein for venepuncture, preferably the anti-cubital fossa, as this is easily accessible and can be kept straight and still during the procedure.

7.    Use a tourniquet but loosen the pressure once the venesection needle is in position. Use the tourniquet to control flow/pressure.

8.    Cannulate the vein with the needle attached to the blood collection pack.

9.    Check the blood flow to ensure the needle is correctly positioned and that the tubing is patent and blood draining into the bag.

10. When satisfied with the above, secure the needle and tubing to the patient’s arm with tape to prevent the needle from falling out.

11. Once the required volume of blood has been venesected (as per patient’s protocol) and any blood samples that are required have been taken from the Vacutainer port of the venesection tubing, release the tourniquet and remove from the patient’s arm.

12. Remove the needle from the vein, covering the puncture site with cotton wool or gauze and ask the patient to maintain pressure on the site to ensure the bleeding stops. Cover with tape or a plaster.

13. Pull the blue plastic needle protector over the needle until it clicks into place, insert the blue needle protector into the Vacutainer port to create a closed system. Drain the blood from the tubing into the blood collection bag and put on the clamp.

14. Place the blood bag in the Zulu waste bin.

15. The patient should remain in the reclining position for at least 10 minutes and be offered a drink and biscuits to replace the lost fluid. Record observation of blood pressure, respiration and pulse. If within normal limits, sit patient up, check venepuncture site, and tape. If observations are outside normal parameters or there are concerns about the patient’s condition, such as feeling dizzy, nauseous or clammy, leave the patient lying down, give oral fluids if they are able to tolerate and repeat observations after 10 minutes. If no improvement, contact medical staff for advice to ensure patient has suffered no side-effects/complications as a result of the procedure.

16. If blood pressure and pulse are within normal limits, the patient is discharged home. Contact details are given on discharge.

17. Advise the patient that the pressure dressing should remain in place for several hours. They should avoid smoking for at least one hour and it is suggested avoiding strenuous exercise or work for six-to-eight hours. Maintain adequate fluid intake.

18. Record action taken on the patient progress form and in medical notes.

19. Make the next appointment. If unsure when this should be, discuss with the doctor.

This document was compiled by the Liver Working Group under the auspices of the National Clinical Programme for Gastroenterology and Hepatology and it has been endorsed by the Irish Society of Gastroenterology.

References on request