Using a Butterfly Needle for Drawing Blood: Expert Tips
Almost 500 million inpatient blood collections are performed in US hospitals every year. They inform 60-70% of all clinical decisions.
Phlebotomists are the underappreciated medical professionals that help these procedures go off without a hitch. They know the process for quick and safe blood collection.
That knowledge starts with knowing which needle to use and how. Read on to learn how to use a butterfly needle for drawing blood.
What’s a Butterfly Needle?
Butterfly needles get their name from the flexible wings that sit around them. Their other components include:
- Plastic sheathes
- Translucent tubing
- Connectors
Their short size and flexibility allow for easier access to superficial veins. They can also reduce the pain of the entire blood collection process.
Types
Standard butterfly needles fit a range of situations. There are also more specialized types.
Pediatric needles are smaller and finer. They’re designed for use in pediatrician offices or home child care. They’re less intimidating for the patient and help minimize anxiety about blood draws.
Large vein needles are made for those with large or more accessible veins. These include seniors whose veins might be more prominent due to their age or skin condition.
Safety-engineered needles are common in physician offices, home health services, and pediatric offices. They have safety mechanisms that retract. This helps reduce the risk of complications such as:
- Bleeding
- Vein collapse
- Nerve damage
- Needlestick injuries
Sizes
The size of the butterfly needle is measured in gauges. They typically range from 18-25 gauge. The most frequently used sizes for blood collection are 21-23 gauge butterfly needles.
The smaller the number, the larger the needle is. The larger gauges are used for thicker blood or larger veins. Smaller gauges are used for smaller veins or different types of procedures.
What Are Butterfly Needles Used For?
Butterfly needles are primarily used for blood collection for tests such as:
- CBC or complete blood count
- Lipid panels
- Vitamin D levels
- Basic or comprehensive metabolic panels
- Thyroid tests
Butterfly needles are helpful when multiple vials need to be collected. They allow for a faster flow of blood and easier monitoring.
You can also go beyond using a butterfly needle for drawing blood. They’re smaller than IV catheters but can be used for IV therapy. They’re a temporary alternative and shouldn’t be left in for more than a few hours.
Butterfly needles are the best option for patients with small or fragile veins. They’re also preferred for pediatric patients, the elderly, or those requiring frequent blood draws.
How Should I Prepare for the Blood Draw?
The most valuable of all the available drawing blood tips is to prepare. Nearly 70% of errors occur in the pre-analytical phase.
Any blood draw guide starts with sterilization and preparation. Gather all your necessary supplies. This may include:
- Needle sets
- Alcohol wipes
- Gauze
- Collection tubes
- Labels
- Sharps container for used needles
Take time to speak with the patient. Verify their identity and ask if they have any allergies. Have them sign any necessary consent forms. Explain the procedure to them and address any concerns.
One in four adults experiences intense fear around needles. The number jumps up to two in three for children.
You may need to use numbing wipes or distraction techniques, especially with pediatric patients. Use rewards and other methods to keep them from moving too much.
How Do I Choose a Vein?
Selecting the right vein is one of the most difficult parts of any blood draw procedure. The decision is based on factors such as visibility, size, and fragility.
Look for the largest accessible vein. The most common choice is the median cubital vein of the antecubital fossa.
Butterfly needles offer phlebotomists more choices. They can also go into smaller veins or the rolled veins of elderly patients.
Apply a tourniquet 3-4 inches above the area you need to puncture. If you’re using the arm, have the patient make a fist to make it dilate.
Palpate the vein to note its size and position and check for any rolling or movement. Clean the site with an alcohol wipe and let it air dry.
What’s the Proper Way to Use a Butterfly Needle for Drawing Blood?
Choose the thinnest possible needle. Hold the wings of the needle with your thumb and forefinger. Make sure the bevel is facing up.
Insert the needle at a shallow angle of 10-15° and secure it with sterile tape or your finger. Don’t enter from a depth of more than 1-2mm. Don’t go into the same vein more than once or twice.
Connect the tubing to the collection tube holder or syringe once blood flow begins. If it begins to slow, start again.
Allow the tubes to fill naturally by inverting them gently. Don’t shake or agitate them.
Fill them in the recommended order if you need more than one. Fill aerobic blood culture bottles first to remove excess air.
What’s Involved in Aftercare?
Apply gentle pressure when removing a butterfly needle and use its safety devices if possible. Release the tourniquet after the last blood draw is complete. Place a gauze pad over it and hold it there until the bleeding stops.
Monitor the site for any signs of bruising or swelling. Ask the patient to apply pressure to the site for a few minutes to minimize this risk. You may also want to advise them to avoid strenuous activity for a few hours.
Label the collected specimens clearly. Dispose of all used needles in the sharps container.
Where Can I Learn About More Blood Drawing Techniques?
Phlebotomists know that the right size and type of needle can make or break a blood draw. That’s why they need to know how to use a butterfly needle for drawing blood, from preparation to aftercare.
Precision Labs provides convenient, flexible options for our healthcare clients. We streamline your patient care with accurate results on a customizable schedule.
Our certified phlebotomists are available to staff your office, visit facilities, and draw blood before doctor’s visits. We also provide training for those who hope to join the field. Learn how to apply and help others today.