Collect blood cultures using order of draw

Practice the CLSI venipuncture order-of-draw from phlebotomy training so additive carryover does not invalidate the culture. Cultures come first; labeling stays at the bedside.

1. Identify the patient with two identifiers.
2. Explain the draw.
3. Perform hand hygiene.
4. Don gloves.
5. Apply the tourniquet and select the site.
6. Cleanse the site and allow it to dry.
7. Do not retouch the cleansed site.
8. Draw blood-culture bottles first.
9. Draw the remaining tubes in the taught order of draw.
10. Release the tourniquet.
11. Apply pressure until hemostasis.
12. Label the specimens at the bedside.