Recently we changed therapuetic phlebotomy bags to a set up that does not have an attached needle. We are using an 18 or 20 g IV catheter to do the venipuncture. We are having difficulty getting a whole unit of blood through these catheters; often requiring more than one venipuncture for the procedure. We have searched for 20 g short butterly needles but have not been able to find any.
What type of needle are other RNs using? Any suggestions that can be offered to resolve this issue would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Butterfly or winged needles are measured in odd gauge sizes sucn as 19 g or 21 g, rather than even sizes like 20g. So I would either look for a 19 g or even better for this procedure a 17 g. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
I would be interested in the source for the phlebotomy sets without the attached needles. And can you draw a lab specimen off a port on it? Thanks
Yes, you could. We have not used that feature however.
CharterMedical has blood transfer bags with 16 gauge needle attached with 37 inch tubing. Unfortunately, I was recently told that they are discontinuing this product along with what we currently use (the 16 gauge needle attached with 44 inch tubing).
They have a 600mL bag with slip lock adapter, which I've asked to trial.
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