Venipuncture
Aftercare
- Ensure that puncture site has stopped bleeding.
- Affix a Band-Aid or cotton ball to puncture site and advise patient to keep it in place for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- Advise the patient to not rub the site as this increases risk of oozing and bruising.
- If the site begins to bleed again, apply firm pressure for another 5-10 minutes or until the bleeding has stopped.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects with the arm for at least 2 hours.
Follow-up
- Return to clinic if continued bleeding from puncture site, severe bruising, tingling in the limb, or painful swelling.
- Inform patient of results.