Idea Exchange: Thorough notes simplify blood draws

With fractious patients—or any patient that needs frequent blood draws—we keep a note on the front of their files indicating which location and technique for blood draw is best (e.g. front left, on or off table, with or without owner present, shave area before blood draw). This way all team members know what technique works best for each patient, and we may avoid numerous blood draw attempts.

Dr. Susan Horowitz

Groton, Mass.