I’ve been trying to shave time off my blood draws and found that using a pre-warmed alcohol pad really helps with vasodilation. It’s just a minute saved, but in a busy clinic, that adds up fast — anyone else have little hacks that speed up the process?
I’ve tried using the butterfly needle for smaller veins; it really helps to cut down on time since I find it easier to maneuver. It’s like fitting a square peg in a round hole, but less frustrating! Have you also looked into different needle sizes?
Using a larger bore needle can sometimes speed things up too, especially with venous draws… Just be sure to balance speed with comfort for the patient. @jtroberts76, what size needle do you usually grab for smaller veins?
I’ve found that practicing your technique on a training arm can really improve your speed. It’s like musicians rehearsing; the more you practice, the better the performance! Have you thought about using simulation tools for hands-on practice?