Insertion

Troubleshooting

• No flashback (not in the vein) - try advancing further or pulling back and inserting slightly medially or laterally
• Flashback but no blood coming out (penetrated too far, vein has collapsed) - pull back slightly, adjust the angle of the needle against the skin, pull back and try again
• Bright red blood that is pulsating out (arterial sample) - remove the needle and apply pressure for at least 3 minutes
• Haematoma - remove the needle and apply pressure to the area.