Drawing Blood From A Port

Asked by: Mohsen Fedeli

asked in category: General Last Updated: 6th June, 2020

Can you draw blood from Portacath?

Not all patients who have implanted ports require blood draws from their ports. Although bloods can be drawn via an implanted port, there may be times when: i. a peripheral blood draw is required (e.g. certain labs, such as PTTs) ii. it is not feasible for the nurse/clinic to do so.

To flush Port-a-Cath™ and maintain patency. There is no requirement to routinely withdraw blood and discard it prior to flushing (RCN 2016).

Also, how do you draw blood from implant port? Push-pull method Flush the catheter. Using the same syringe, pull to aspirate 6 ml of blood into the syringe. Keeping the syringe attached to the catheter hub, push to reinfuse the blood into the catheter. Repeat the aspiration and reinfusion at least three times.

Regarding this, can a phlebotomist draw from a port?

If your blood draw is done through your port, it may be contaminated unless a special procedure is used to ensure a clean blood sample. A nurse or phlebotomist must be trained in the correct method of cleaning or flushing a port before it can be used.

Why can't you draw blood from an IV?

Blood that is drawn from a vein that has an intravenous (IV) line may be diluted by the IV fluid. This can ultimately affect the accuracy of the blood test results. Therefore, an arm containing an IV should not be used to draw blood specimens if it can be avoided.

38 Related Question Answers Found

How long can a port a cath stay in the body?

Most patients are sore for four to seven days following surgery and it is best to wait five to seven days before accessing the new port. 6. How long will a Port-a-Cath last? Most surgeons say most ports will last anywhere from two to six years.

Can you infuse blood through a port?

After the implanted port is in place, IV medicines and treatments can be given directly into the blood stream through the port. Once the catheter is in the vein, a port can be used to: Give medicines. Give blood and blood products.

How often do you need to flush a Portacath?

When not in use, the Port-A-Cath requires little maintenance. Flushing and heparinization of the device is required a minimum of every 4 weeks to ensure patency of the line.

Do you have to flush a port with heparin?

Flush your port with heparin (a blood thinner) between each port use. Your port also needs to be flushed with heparin every 4 weeks when it is not being used regularly. You will use a syringe to push a small amount of saline or heparin into the port and catheter.

How do they remove a Portacath?

Implanted ports are removed using local anesthesia or conscious sedation. This is done in a sterile, operating room setting. During the procedure, a small incision is made and the port and catheter are removed. The wound will usually be closed using Steri-Strips.

Can you take a blood pressure on the same side as a port?

If you have a port in your arm: Do not allow a blood pressure test to be taken on that arm. Do not allow a blood sample to be taken from that arm unless it is done through the port using a specially designed, "non-coring" needle which will not damage the port.

How do you anchor a vein for venipuncture?

Anchor the vein by holding the patient's arm and placing a thumb BELOW the venepuncture site. Ask the patient to form a fist so the veins are more prominent. Enter the vein swiftly at a 30 degree angle or less, and continue to introduce the needle along the vein at the easiest angle of entry.

What are the 3 main veins to draw blood?

This area contains the three vessels primarily used by the phlebotomist to obtain venous blood specimens: the median cubital, the cephalic and the basilic veins. Although the veins located in the antecubital area should be considered first for vein selection, there are alternate sites available for venipuncture.

Does accessing a port hurt?

Does it hurt? Not typically, but when it is accessed for chemo or a blood draw, the initial poke does sting a bit (similar to an IV poke in your arm). Over-the-counter or doctor-prescribed numbing creams can help ease the discomfort.