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A practical guide to venepuncture and blood sampling
Katie Scales Consultant nurse critical care, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London
This article provides an overview of the knowledge and skills required for peripheral venepuncture, including anatomy and physiology, psychological issues, consent, vein selection, infection control, venepuncture technique, sharps disposal and the prevention and management of complications. A period of supervision and assessment of competency is required to consolidate this theoretical knowledge, and practitioners should comply with the policies and procedures of their organisation.
Nursing Standard. 22, 29, 29-36. doi: 10.7748/ns2008.03.22.29.29.c6436
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review