How to Use Steripath for Peripheral Venipunctures-How to Use Steripath for Peripheral Venipunctures

Video Transcription

The Steripath blood culture collection system reduces false positive blood cultures by diverting  and sequestering the initial 1.5 to 2.0 milliliters of blood, preventing skin contaminants when present from entering blood culture bottles.  The following video tutorial demonstrates proper use of Steripath for peripheral venipuncture. Collect the necessary supplies, including Steripath, in either 21- or 23-gauge needle  configuration. Perform skin surface antisepsis according to your institution's established guidelines.  While skin antisepsis is air-drying, prepare bottles for sample collection by placing a visible mark above the broth, corresponding to the amount of blood that will need to be  collected if not using pre-marked bottles. Be sure the bottle is level prior to measuring. Thoroughly disinfect each bottle top with an alcohol prep pad. Scrub for 15 seconds.  Let air dry and leave a new pad on top of the bottle. Open Steripath, keeping the device on sterile packets to prevent contamination. Ensure site is completely dry.  Perform venipuncture following standard procedure. Consider securing the site as needed. After achieving venous access, squeeze the device with slow and steady pressure to actuate.  Once near the check mark, firmly squeeze Steripath until it clicks to lock in potential contaminants. The diversion chamber should be full, with only a small air bubble visible.  Using the integrated transfer adapter, inoculate blood culture bottle and fill according to institution guidelines while holding bottle level. Fill each bottle to visible mark.  Visible foam is not considered part of sample volume. Gently agitate bottle several times to prevent clotting. Follow the same procedure for inoculation of second bottle.  Be sure to gently agitate bottle several times to prevent clotting. Inoculate any additional samples for blood work. The slide clamp can be used to occlude the tubing as needed.  Dispose of supplies according to institution policy.

Video Summary

The video tutorial demonstrates how to properly use the Steripath blood culture collection system for peripheral venipuncture. It highlights the importance of proper skin antisepsis and bottle preparation. The device is carefully used to divert and sequester the initial blood sample, preventing contamination. The video emphasizes filling the blood culture bottles according to institution guidelines, agitating them to prevent clotting. Additional samples for blood work can also be collected. The video concludes by mentioning the proper disposal of supplies according to institution policy.

Keywords

Steripath blood culture collection system

peripheral venipuncture

skin antisepsis

bottle preparation

divert and sequester