Although we don't like to do it, I would like to know if maskes are needed when drawing blood for specimen testing from a central venous access device?
We do not wear masks at my hospital and masks are not mentioned in the 2011 INS Standards nor 2011 INS Policies & Procedures.
Out of curiosity, why do you say that you don't like to do it? We routinely place various central lines with frequent blood draws as a primary indication for the line in the first place.
Drawing blood sampless from any VAD increases the manipulation of the catheter hub and therefore the risk of contamination and infection. For this reason, VADs should not always be used for blood sampling but neither should they always be avoided for obtaining samples either. See the INS Standards for the criteria to use for using VADs for blood sampling. As far as wearing masks, I doubt there is any evidence but it could be a good idea, just no evidence either way. Lynn
We do not wear masks at my hospital and masks are not mentioned in the 2011 INS Standards nor 2011 INS Policies & Procedures.
Out of curiosity, why do you say that you don't like to do it? We routinely place various central lines with frequent blood draws as a primary indication for the line in the first place.
Asystole RN, BSN, CRNI, VA-BC
Vascular Access Nurse, Infusion Nurse
Drawing blood sampless from any VAD increases the manipulation of the catheter hub and therefore the risk of contamination and infection. For this reason, VADs should not always be used for blood sampling but neither should they always be avoided for obtaining samples either. See the INS Standards for the criteria to use for using VADs for blood sampling. As far as wearing masks, I doubt there is any evidence but it could be a good idea, just no evidence either way. 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
We don't like to draw blood from a central venous access device due to the increased chance for infection as Lynn pointed out.
Thank you,
Deb