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English: To Perform venipuncture

Anchor the vein using the thumb of your opposite hand and place it about an inch below the collection site. Make sure the bevel of the needle is pointing up, and then insert the needle with a quick, small thrust to penetrate the skin at no more than 150. As soon as blood flow is established, remove the tourniquet and ask the patient to unclench or open his hand. It is also important to note how long the tourniquet should be left on. Once sufficient amount of blood has been collected, carefully remove the needle. Have a clean gauze or cotton wool ready before you withdraw the needle. Gently withdraw the needle and then place the cotton or gauze over the puncture site with gentle pressure.

Ask the patient to hold the cotton wool in place with the arm extended and raised. Remind them not to bend the arm to avoid hematoma. (E-Phlebotomy Training., 2014)