Last week on the forum, members engaged in practical discussions ranging from optimizing night shift routines to finding reliable equipment. Conversations highlighted the importance of efficiency and accuracy, particularly in time-sensitive environments. A notable thread explored continuing education units (CEUs), with participants sharing resources they found genuinely valuable. Another widely discussed topic focused on reducing redraws, showcasing practical strategies members have successfully implemented.
This Week’s Hot Topics
Night shift huddle script + draw checks
Members shared scripts and checklists to streamline night shift operations, emphasizing efficiency and teamwork. Read more here
Label printers that don’t smear
Finding the right label printer can be crucial to maintaining specimen integrity. This discussion explores reliable options to prevent smearing. Read more here
Tourniquet drama at 6 a.m
A lively exchange on handling those early morning tourniquet challenges, with tips from seasoned phlebotomists. Read more here
CEUs that are actually useful
Participants are sharing courses that offer real value and practical knowledge, not just credits. Read more here
Pre-draw checklist that reduced redraws
A member’s pre-draw checklist sparked interest for its impressive results in minimizing redraws. Read more here
Discard tube with butterfly for coag
A technical deep-dive into when and how to use discard tubes effectively with butterfly needles. Read more here
CEU efficiency: time and cost
Balancing time and cost for CEUs is a challenge. Members are exchanging tips for maximizing both. Read more here
Thank you for staying engaged and sharing your expertise. Your contributions make our community a valuable resource for all. Until next week, take care.
Pre-draw checklist tweak that saved me tons of redraws: I ask, “Any IV meds/fluids in the last 15 minutes on this arm?” and if yes I switch sides or wait — does add a minute on STATs, but looping back with @KelliRN to pause the line has been worth it.
@ctorres Nice — my tiny fix is a quick “tube check before tourniquet”; if a light blue’s on the req I cap tourniquet time at about 60s and watch the fill line, which killed most underfill redraws, though in true STATs I won’t fuss with the clock — anyone else doing this?
When I’m using a butterfly and there’s a light blue on the req, I pop a small discard tube first so the citrate fills to the line — stopped a ton of underfills and redraws; not needed with a straight needle. @henry_you your IV timing tip pairs perfectly.
Quick add from nights: I tell patients “no fist pumping — just relax,” and if they’ve been clenching I wait about a minute before drawing; it’s cut the weird K spikes and redraw calls for me. If the floor’s in a hurry I’ll pick a fresh site instead of waiting, @ameliawar67.
I cut a lot of redraws by reprinting labels at the bedside right before the stick — scan the band, say the DOB/MRN back, and slap the fresh label on; , stale stickers have burned me on STATs. @ctorres your timing call is spot on; if the Zebra printer glitches on nights, I jot the print time and note the reprint in the LIS so QA doesn’t kick it back. Quick resource if anyone wants a checklist template: WHO’s best-practice guide is solid https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/44294 — anyone else doing on-the-spot reprints?
I added ‘verify IV/mastectomy side’ and ‘fill blue-top to the line’ to my pre-draw checklist and my citrate redraws disappeared. I also stash a pocket hand warmer to pre-warm tough veins for 30 seconds — helps a ton, though in ED sprints I skip it to keep things moving.