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Arterial blood sampling should be done at the radial artery in adults unless contraindicated. Before puncturing the radial artery, Allen's test should be performed to assess the adequacy of ulnar blood supply to the same hand and digits. A positive Allen's test means the ulnar blood supply is adequate and therefore the radial artery can be sampled. A negative Allen's test means that another limb is needed for arterial blood sampling.
Click here for more details on Allen's test.
Collect 2 mL of blood in a heparinised syringe. Expel air bubbles, cap the syringe and roll the specimen between the hands for 15 seconds to gently mix it. Place this in a biohazard specimen bag and then immerse this bag into another bag with crushed ice. Send immediately to Lab. Clotted specimen or air bubble in the specimen will be REJECTED.
Invert blood 5 times after blood collection ensures the anticoagulant is well mixed with the blood. This will ensure results are reliable.
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