title: A practical guide to venepuncture and blood sampling.
abstract: This article provides an overview of the knowledge and skills required for peripheral venepuncture, including anatomy and physiology, psychological issues, consent, vein selection, infection control, venepuncture technique, sharps disposal and the prevention and management of complications. A period of supervision and assessment of competency is required to consolidate this theoretical knowledge, and practitioners should comply with the policies and procedures of their organisation.
authors.affiliation: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London. katie.scales@imperial.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Scales
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D018962:Phlebotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013048:Specimen Handling; D006113:United Kingdom