STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) : PREPARATION FOR BLOOD COLLECTION

                                        BLOOD CENTRE NAME

SCOPE AND APPLICATION

This describes a procedure for blood collection from the donor, using an aseptic method. Blood is collected in a sterile closed system bag with a single venepuncture. A correct performance of venepuncture is essential for the quality and safety of the blood donation. Successful venepuncture results not only in safe collection of a full unit of blood suitable for separation of components with good quality yields, but also contributes to the comfort and satisfaction of the donors thus encouraging reattendance.

RESPONSIBILITY

The phlebotomist or doctor is responsible for blood collection from the donor after verifying the donor screening details, checking the unit number labels and preparing the phlebotomy site. 

REFERENCES

• Model standard operating procedures for blood transfusion service, WHO, New Delhi 2002 
• Technical Manual of American Association of Blood Banks, 18^th edition 

MATERIALS REQUIRED

• Cotton/Gauze swabs 
• Artery forceps 
• Pilot tubes: Plain and EDTA
• Blood pressure apparatus
• Oxygen cylinder with accessories 
• Rubber gloves 
• First aid tray 
• Tubing stripper 
• Electronic tube sealer 
• Needle destroyer 
• Blood collecting bags 
• Discard jar with 10% sodium hypochlorite 
• Scissors 
• Hi Tech (adhesive) tapes 
• Blood bag mixer (Bio mixer) 
• Comfortable donor couch or chair

PROCEDURE

• Make the donor lie down with a pillow under the head or recline in a comfortable donor chair. Loosen tight garments. 
• Identify the donor by name. 
• Enter the bag and segment numbers on the donor card/form. 
• Ask the donor if he/she is in a comfortable position. Give the donor a hand roller / squeezer to hold.
• Select a bag for blood collection  
• Apply the blood pressure cuff on donor arm.
• Clean the venepuncture site 
• Set the bio mixer for the required volume of blood (350ml) to be collected and place the bag on it. 
• Clamp the bleed line of the blood bag using plastic forceps to ensure that no air enters the tubing or bag once the needle cover is removed.     
• Inflate the blood pressure cuff till 80 mmHg.
• Keep the level of the needle facing upward and the shaft at an angle of 15^o to the arm. 
• Once the needle is beneath the skin, release the clamp. 
• Insert the blood bag needle into the vein for about 1 to 1.5cms by a bold single prick to ensure smooth flow of blood and secure on the arm with adhesive strips.
• Advise the donor to gently squeeze the hand roller to improve blood flow. 
• If the venepuncture is unsuccessful do not make further attempt in the same arm. Take the donor’s permission for a second attempt. Use a new bag.
• Once blood enters the bag tubing, press the bio mixer ‘start’ switch to allow the blood to flow into the bag. After the programmed volume of blood is collected, the bio mixer automatically clamps the tubing.
• Clamp the bloodline of the blood bag at 2 sites and cut in the middle. Collect blood in the pilot tubes from the tubing so that blood flows directly into the tubes from the donor arm.
• Deflate the BP cuff and remove the needle gently from the donor’s vein pressing the phlebotomy site. 
• Place the sterile swab at the venepuncture site and apply pressure over the swab. Ask the donor to elevate the arm and fold so that swab will not fall.
• Seal the blood bag tubing with the tube sealer. 
• Burn the needle of the bag in the needle incinerator. Discard the tubing with the burnt needle in a container of sodium hypochlorite solution.

DOCUMENTATION

• Make entries in the donor register/ computer.
• Make an entry of the failed venepuncture, as double prick.