a) Registered Nurses accredited to give intravenous medication
b) and only Registered Nurses accredited to give intravenous medication may undetake training to care for CVC sites and lines.

STANDARDS :

• To have a uniformed approach to drawing blood from a centraal line by trained staff.
  
  
• The CVC is not a ideal site for drawing blood samples but may be used in conditions where other access is not available.
• Caution is to be taken when aspirating blood samples from the CVC not to hemolysis sample or collapse/ damage catheter or blood vessel
• Caution is to be taken not to contaminate blood sample with solutions infusing through other ports.
  
  

OUTCOMES :

• Blood samples drawn from the CVC will not be contaminated by other solutions infusing through CVC
• No damage will occur to the vessles or CVC during the taking of blood samples from the CVC.
  
  

EQUIPMENT :

,

,

( 50 u/ 50 mls), #19 needle to draw up solutions,

Sodium Heparin 5000 u/ ml, Yellow ' Vacutaainer' shield, Eye protection

,

PROCEDURE :

• Aseptic preparation prior to commencing procedure.
  
• Prepare drsg pack at bedside prior to postioning patient.
  
• Clamp off port on CVC being changed with blue slide clamp. With multiple lumen catheters blood sampling is done through the Proximal port.