Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 58 HEEL STICK PURPOSE: Heel sticks are done on infants when ordered by physicians to obtain serum bilirubin levels and other blood values . RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL: RN, LPN EQUIPMENT: Capillary tube, alcohol swabs, 4 x 4 gauze pads, lab transport carrier, gloves (if likelihood of contact with blood or body fluids) SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Heel sticks when properly done will not bruise an infant's heel. PROCEDURE: 1. Warm heel for 10 minutes using heel warmer, if available, or Pampers that has been warmed with water. 2. Wash hands 3. Grasp heel so that the toes are almost touching shin. 4. Visualize a "V" formation at heel. Wipe with alcohol swab. Puncture at very outer part of sides of heel. 0000000 5. Wipe site with dry 4 x 4. 6. Begin to fill amber tube using a gentle squeeze and release milking motion to allow capillaries to refill. 7. Wipe site clean 2 or 3 times during collection process. 8. After filling tube to line, recap tube. 9. Wipe heel with alcohol swab and place folded 4 x 4 over area. 10. Wash hands. 11. Complete lab slip. Label tube. 12. Keep specimen cool until it reaches the lab. DOCUMENTATION: Document specimen collection, site, patient tolerance or procedure, all patient teaching and other pertinent observations. If further action is indicated, document follow-up/ notification of Clinical Manager and/or physician. ____________________________________________________