RADIOMETER ABL800 FLEX Operator's Manual page 372

12. Sampling
Preparation prior to arterial/venous sampling,
Arterial The following are guidelines for sampling by arterial puncture:
sampling
guidelines
Sampling method
Puncture
A-line
Disposal of used
sampling devices
12-6
• Be careful not to mix venous blood with the arterial
sample. This can occur if a vein is punctured before
locating the artery. Arterial blood (due to the higher
pressure) will generally fill faster than venous blood,
and is lighter in color.
• It is important to expel any air bubbles immediately
without prior agitation. An air bubble with a relative
volume of 0.5 % or more of the blood volume in the
syringe is a potential source of significant error [2, 3].
The effect of such an air bubble increases with the
storage time and agitation of the sample.
• Mix sample thoroughly with heparin immediately
after sampling by inverting the sampler several times
and then rolling the sample between your palms.
• If aspirating the sample, do so slowly in order to
avoid hemolyzation of the sample
• Expel any air bubbles immediately (see above)
• Mix the sample thoroughly with heparin immediately
after sampling by inverting the sampler several times
and then rolling the sample between your palms.
WARNING – Risk of infection
Discard the waste as infectious waste [4].
ABL800 FLEX Operator's Manual
Continued
Guidelines