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Blood tests

Story from nhs.uk

"Blood tests"

Anything else?

Routine blood test - the area was not swabbed before inserting the needle. When I questioned this the nurse laughed and said "we don't do that no more. Haven't don it for ages. NHS cutting back"

This is a health risk. Hospitals are supposed to uphold hygene, not cut back.

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Response from Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich 10 years ago
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich

Submitted on 26/07/2013 at 16:17
Published on nhs.uk on 27/07/2013 at 04:00

Trust guidelines state that skin is only to be cleaned if visibly dirty during venepuncture. If this is the case, the area should be cleaned with soap and water only. The only exception to this is during blood culture collection. If an alcohol wipe is used and the area has not dried completely before the procedure commences, there may be a chance of the result being affected. There is also no evidence to suggest the infection may be caused if the site is not cleaned. I hope this answers your query.

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