Venipuncture
- Iodinated contrast media are most often injected directly into the blood intravenously for CT exams. An intravenous injection of contrast media is considered a parenteral administration of contrast.
- Some common sites of injection include:
- The antecubital space of the arm
- Radial aspect of wrist of the lower arm
- Anterior forearm
- Posterior hand
- When inserting an IV, standard precaution and aseptic technique must be utilized. Utilizing aseptic technique helps to reduce the risk of the patient developing an infection from the IV insertion through the introduction of microorganisms.
- During insertion, the appropriate angle for the needle relative to the patient’s arm is 15 degrees.
- Aseptic technique consists of:
- Hand washing between patients.
- Use of gloves.
- Cleaning the site of IV insertion with an alcohol swab, in a circular motion. The motion should begin in the center and move outward.
- Gentle pressure to the site of IV insertion with an alcohol swab after the removal of the IV catheter or needle.
- Sterile technique is the process that is followed to maintain a sterile microorganism free environment during invasive procedures.
- Sterile technique requires that a field be established around the area of interest where the procedure is taking place. This area is kept free of microorganisms for the duration of the procedure, and only sterile tools and supplies are used. Breaking of the sterile field is serious, and should never happen.
- Some common sites of injection include: