Question to Nurses and Phlebotomists?!
Question: This is to everybody who is experienced in drawing blood especially with vacutainer needles. If the needle was opened and then recapped (ie the seal broken) would it be easily identified by the nurse that this needle has been used because of the broken seal or it is not that obvious and it can be missed. I am asking because I had a blood draw using this vacutainer and since they dont come wrapped I am paranoid that the nurse might have mistakengly used a previously used needle on me.
Answers: This is to everybody who is experienced in drawing blood especially with vacutainer needles. If the needle was opened and then recapped (ie the seal broken) would it be easily identified by the nurse that this needle has been used because of the broken seal or it is not that obvious and it can be missed. I am asking because I had a blood draw using this vacutainer and since they dont come wrapped I am paranoid that the nurse might have mistakengly used a previously used needle on me.
It shouldnt happen.
First of all, needles arent supposed to be recapped. EVER. I do know that some nurses do it though.
If the seal was broken, most wouldnt use it. Most of us have a routine we follow with our equipment. I find it hard to believe that someone would use a needle, recap it (messy and unsafe for the lab tech) and then put it back in the tray.
If the needle had been used for phlebotomy it should have a bit of blood on it. And the procedure would likely be more painful than usual, as these are one use only needles, and the needle is barbed after even one use.
Can it be missed? I suppose in theory. But only by a complete idiot.
As a nurse, I can be confident that the needle I am using was not previously used. Depending on the style of needle, there may only be a small piece of tape sealing the needle to the cap. Sometimes care providers will assess the needle before coming into the room so we don't have to do it in front of the patient. (We look closely at the needle and bevel, or tip, to make sure that there were no manufacturing deformities before we stick it into someone.) Sometimes this process, even though it only takes a second, can be very disturbing to a patient. So, if the person sensed that you were stressed, they may have done that out of your field of vision.
Hope this reassures you! If you still have concerns, talk with your health care provider, and s/he can order some screening tests for you.
~ Karilee www.wellnesscenterusa.com