Lay out all necessary materials on a tray next to the patient.
Position the patient either lying or sitting down with the arm fully extended.
Identify the median cubital vein on the inner part of the patient's forearm right at the elbow to perform the venesection. Use the patient's dominant arm.
Securely tie the tourniquet around the patient's arm. It should be tightened 3-4 inches above the site. Pat the vein to check its size.
Clean the area with the cotton swab, rubbing in a circular motion starting at the site and working your way outward.
Instruct the patient to make a fist without pumping the hand.
Securely hold the patient's hand. Position the needle in a 15- to 30-degree angle with its surface on the arm.
Gently, but firmly and quickly, insert the needle through the skin into the vein's lumen. This technique will reduce the patient's pain.
Draw back the blood with the syringe to start the blood flow.
Quickly draw samples using the evacuated collection tubes.
Take the gauze to the inserted needle, and as you pull out the needle gently press the gauze down on the site. Place the syringe cap back on and place it back on the tray.
Remove the tourniquet while you continue to press down on the gauze.
Apply the adhesive bandage to the site
Dispose all materials and supplies into the designated biohazardous waste bin.
Mix and label all the appropriate tubes.
Send specimens to the laboratory for testing.