Phlebotomy question and lab question.

Question
I too am a Phlebotomist and my question is one I have gotten varying answers for. If a patient is a Very hard stick and after several attempts have been made is it okay to draw from an artery?

Also is it true that if a baby is very upset and crying during a blood draw that it can cause lab results to be elevated?

Thank you.

Answer
Arterial punctures should be reserved for blood gases (never into an evacuated tube which may cause arteriospasm). Depending on the situation and doctor's orders, exceptions may be made.

In upset babies (more than children), some blood gas levels may be altered. Usually this is compensated for in a physician's evaluation of the test results.

I've been retired for a while now, but never worked with children or intoxicated individuals. Frightened, phobic, elderly, etc., no problem, but no kids or tipsies.

If you're doing that, more power to you! I was always in AWE of people who did!

These days I do a lot of animal care (even a pitbull stick is preferable to me than a baby or a drinker).  

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