Laskimoverinäytteenotto

Laskimoverinäytteenotto, also known as venipuncture or phlebotomy, is a common medical procedure used to collect blood samples from a vein. This process is essential for various diagnostic tests, monitoring patient conditions, and sometimes for therapeutic purposes like blood donation.

The procedure typically involves a trained healthcare professional, often a phlebotomist or nurse, using a sterile needle and collection tube. The most common site for venipuncture is a vein in the antecubital fossa, located in the bend of the elbow, due to its accessibility and size. Before insertion, the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe to minimize the risk of infection. A tourniquet may be applied to the upper arm to make the vein more prominent and easier to access.

Once the needle is inserted into the vein, blood is drawn into the collection tube. Different colored stoppers on the tubes indicate the presence of specific additives that preserve the blood or prevent clotting, depending on the intended laboratory analysis. After the required amount of blood is collected, the needle is withdrawn, and pressure is applied to the puncture site with a sterile gauze pad to stop bleeding and prevent bruising.

Proper patient identification and labeling of the collected sample are crucial to ensure accurate results. Complications from venipuncture are generally minor and can include bruising, swelling, or infection at the site, though these are rare when proper sterile techniques are followed. The collected blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.