What to Say When Your Patient Requests a Butterfly Needle for the Blood Draw
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มิ.ย. 2024
- A common patient request is for the phlebotomist to draw blood with a butterfly needle, even when it's not necessary. This video discusses the pros and cons of using a winged-infusion set (butterfly needle) for their blood draw, and how to diplomatically move patients toward accepting the device of YOUR choice for the phlebotomy procedure.
Time code:
0:27---the advantages of using a butterfly needle
1:34---the disadvantages
2:34---a successful strategy to win the patient's approval the device you feel would be most appropriate for the blood draw.
Some images sourced from Shutterstock.com and Pixabay.com with permission.
“You wouldn’t go to your next dental appointment and tell the dentist which drill to use on your teeth, would you?” Yes, if multiple previous dentists have drilled my teeth, drilling my teeth is extremely difficult, and multiple dental professionals told me that I should ask for a specific drill every time I absolutely would!
I have small veins that roll and a history of vasovagal syncope. I have been instructed to always ask for a butterfly (and specify the blue one). Earlier this week a phlebotomist ignored me and since I look away it was too late for me to stop her using what was decidedly not a butterfly when I did look over because it burned so terribly (I also told her it burned and she continued).
I now have to take 3 medications and see a neurologist and can’t even lift a cell phone in my left hand because of the numbness and shooting pains because she damaged my median nerve.
I’ve lived in this body for 40 years and I absolutely know my body better than someone who met me 30 seconds ago. If you don’t want to use a butterfly on me, get another phlebotomist who will.
You have no idea how angry I am that you’d be encouraging others to use the “just trust me, I know what I’m doing” line instead of listening to patients who have every right to advocate for themselves.
I may have permanent nerve damage now because someone decided they knew what I need better than me. I also once projectile vomited and passed out and slid all the way to the floor on another phlebotomist who ignored my warnings that I need to lay back. YOU DO NOT KNOW YOUR PATIENTS BETTER THAN THEY KNOW THEMSELVES.
I don’t care. Either use a butterfly needle or don’t touch me.
Fax bruh fr
I’ve been requesting a butterfly needle for several years now after one nurse used one when I told her my veins are difficult to find, require many sticks, and always cause me significant pain. I’m scared of needles and imagine always having to get both arms tried and then even the side of my hand or foot before getting a successful blood draw??? My blood draws would usually require a second nurse being called in to assist! Imagine having to go through that trauma!!! So the butterfly puncture was a dream! And I always requested it from there on out. This last time I had a blood draw I made the usual butterfly request and the nurse said no. This after probably 10 years of butterfly use. And guess what? It only took one stick but was very painful AND I ended up with a big hematoma! Never again!!! I’ll pay the extra $2 if necessary and will insist on the butterfly every time!!!
I think that's a good plan for you going forward.
If any nurse ever said no to my request for a butterfly needle I would request a new nurse or leave that clinic and never go back.
@@jeroli74official
what will you do when there are no butterflies left? Refuse?
@@hazeyhazey289 I would go to a different blood clinic. Simple.
@@jeroli74official The shortage is worldwide.
I don't like when they take multiple vials of blood using a conventional needle. Each time they change vials they end up moving and shifting the needle and almost invariably punch through the backside of my vein. And once they nicked a tendon when the needle shifted when they changed vials. So that's my reason for wanting to request a butterfly needle. You didn't mention that part
And as for the cost.... out of all the places millions and millions of dollars are wasted in the medical system, this is what you focus on? C'mon man
I watch my wife get her blood drawn weekly, this is the exact reason I like them to use a butterfly, some do great with a straight needle if they have very steady hands but I find often that is not the case.
As someone with notoriously small veins in my arms, I demand a butterfly needle is used EVERYTIME I have blood drawn. I have yet to have any one try to talk me into using anything else and if they did I would politely request they allow someone who is comfortable using a butterfly needle take my blood instead of them. At the end of the day I know what is most comfortable and least painful for me (the patient) and that's what matters.
I deal with an aging couple, their physician orders multiple tests, which means multiple tubes. So if a straight needle is used, the chances of bruising increases with each tube inserted into the hub and thus impacts the comfort level of the patient. Butterfly eliminates that with just one stick and multiple tubes drawn with out any comfort issues. Manufacturing BD also states this on there site. Money should NOT be an issue since the insurance companies are paying for it anyway.
The problem isn’t the request. The issue is why are they requesting it. Most patients will have poor experiences with conventional blood draws. I frankly don’t blame them for requesting what they have had a pleasant experience with. As a health care professional, you also have the option to excuse yourself from the procedure. Patients prefer that as it saves them from poorly trained and applied practices.
You are exactly right!
My first blood draw I passed out. After that I always request a butterfly needle. I also request to be able to lay down. I absolutely hate blood draws. I have a low pain tolerance and for me getting my blood drawn is like a stab.
I usually have no issue with blood draws but once a phlebotomist kept missing my vein and caused quite a bit of pain. I winced as she resorted to using a butterfly and told me that I should request for butterfly in the future since my vein rolls. I still don't know if she was incompetent because I never had that issue again with other phlebotomists.
@@TW-il4vy You’d be surprised how many incompetent nurses I’ve witnessed. Some are not ready for the job.
@@Paul-vn5mi I believe you. My veins can't be more prominent and healthy but she bruised me terribly and blamed it on the needle instrument.
This man seems like a good source, I have to find out more about those experiences when patients trying to give blood get stabbed 30 times. I think a lot of people ask for a butterfly because poor experiences with nurses/phlebotomists - they want to do the right thing, but are sick of getting people who don't care to do the job right.
We couldn't agree more, Cookie Crusher!
As a healthcare professional, you should be advanced enough to handle all devices and allow yourself to be flexible enough to honor a reasonable request by the patient.
We agree, KB. But there's no sense in putting yourself at an increased risk of a needlestick when it can be avoided.
With the butterfly shortage, I only want to use my limited supply on patients who absolutely need it
There is a worldwide shortage of butterfly needles. As an experienced phlebotomist I would explain to my patient that due to the shortage, we must prioritise the children’s need for theses needles.
I would reassure the patient that I will do everything I can to ensure their blood draw is carried out as pain free and stress free as possible and that I will use my expertise to choose the best needle for that patients particular needs, if that means using a butterfly, I will.
I always ask the patient if they have a preference of which site I use for the procedure but ultimately the decisions must be based on training and knowledge.
The thing is; we know our bodies. I have “squiggly” veins. I’ve had people using larger needles really mess me up to the point where I have scar tissue & a legit fear of needles. I think the medical industry seems to forget that we live in our bodies every day. We’ve had experiences they will never know. All requests for butterfly needles should always be honored. No questions asked.
I’m just learning about all this but I’m a tech at a hospital and they taught me everything I know about blood draws. It’s so interesting to me because all we really use at our hospital are butterflies. They’re usually fully stocked and what the nurses and techs normally go for. I’ve never drawn with a straight needle but I heard it’s easier. I really like to see the flash on butterflies. I would like to know more about straight needles. I don’t understand why they encourage butterfly use so much if it’s so expensive though.
butterflies tend to be better for pain… but doing butterflies in the arm i think takes longer than straight needle. straight needle helps blood flow go in the tubes so much faster
my insurance was billed $4000 for my er trip last weekend for a mild allergic reaction and you’re saying the extra dollar for a more comfortable needle wouldn’t be worth it?
That's not what we're saying at all, Corinne. We're saying if there's an accidental needlestick because of the butterfly, it could be catastrophic for the person drawing blood. Butterfly needles are made the same way other needles are in regards to the sharpness of the point, outside diameter, etc. Pain is more likely to be due to variations in the skill of the healthcare professional than the type of needle.
@@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509 the first reason you listed was that it’s expensive and using them is “not being a good steward of your employers resources”
As a patient today, she used the butterfly needle on me. She checked both arms, and both hands. After checking the arms I had said that sometimes when they're not completely confident on my arms, that they take it from my hands using a butterfly needle. My veins are NOT obvious at all, I have been told that they are deep, tiny and covered in some scar tissue. I've been having blood drawn since I was 7, many of them being held down for, and now as a 49 yr old, I'm still very anxious about it and get very nervous. Luckily the one stick was all it took, she was somebody new to me, my favorite, the only one I was letting touch me, he went on break just before my turn.
Sounds like you found the right person to draw your blood. Now you have two people you can request. Good luck going forward!
For me the butterfly hurts less, and I’d rather not have to worry about pain on top of everything else that’s making me anxious about the procedure. But for me as long as the phlebotomist understands that I need to be reclined no matter what (I never go to a lab without a reclining chair anyway), I can put up with either kind of needle.
Good point! Pain reduction should be a goal of everyone who draws blood. Reclining is a great idea. You can't fall down from fainting if you're already lying down. It might even prevent fainting in the first place.
I am a hard stick so a butterfly and I’m used to phishing so I don’t like big needles
Can't blame you there. Nobody should ever fish for veins with a needle. It's a violation of the industry standards.
@@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509 really? because they do it at my doctors office EVERY TIME and ive had so many blown veins and risky blood clots because of it. im only 22 and im mortified of getting my blood drawn but ive never ever had an issue when a butterfly needle was used. but my current doc office wont listen to me or give me the time of day.. they just tell me im being childish..
@@DeadpoolBatgirl That's really unfortunate. You deserve more compassion. Fishing for veins is way outside the standard of care. One can only relocate the needle if they have reassessed after a miss and repalpated. Even then, there are areas of the bend of the arm where you can't even do that. The CLSI standard, GP41, expressly says blindly probing for a vein without knowing its precise location must not be performed. You might want to consider another provider. That's how injuries and lawsuits happen. Here's where they can get the standard: www.phlebotomy.com/GP41.html.
@@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509 I know that fishing is "not the standard of care", but let's be real here -- I have _never_ had a phlebotomist immediately remove and discard the needle after a miss. Since I have an easy vein, they rarely miss, but the two or three times it's happened, they always fish a little bit. (I've never had a big enough miss that fishing didn't work.) The reality is, people are lazy, they're in a hurry, and for any job you can name, half of the people who have it are going to be below average at it.
(I would also say about half of them, after swabbing, either blow on the site to dry the alcohol, or touch the site for some other reason. I never bother to correct them, because I don't want to upset someone who's literally about to stick me with a needle, and realistically patients don't get to choose their phlebotomist.)
So, it's OK if patients suffer more puncture pain and stress, accept risks of vein injury if multiple tubes are drawn (because the straight needle moves more between them), accept a higher risk of vasovagal reaction, etc... Everything to save the company few extra cents (that's the #1 reason you've listed as a negative)? Got it. And please, if somebody is not skilled enough not to injure herself handling a butterfly needle, then that person can certainly get injured by a straight one. Next, I find it pretentious to compare the skill level of a phlebotomist to that of a dentist. How about picking which battery do you want for your car when you go to a mechanic? That's definitely a more appropriate comparison (only, cars don't hurt). Yes, a mechanic can give you a recommendation that you are fully free to not agree with. Phlebotomy is all about putting a needle in people's veins and obtaining an adequate blood sample - it's that simple. Comparing that with complexities of dentistry is nonsensical. And if a phlebotomist is skilled enough, there will be no hemolysis with butterfly needle, so that is not a valid argument either.
Watching this video, I felt that you don't understand being condescending from being professional. It's a human being on the other side of your needle, you know. Do you best not to traumatize that person. They may start to avoid phlebotomies and jeopardize their health that way.
Thanks for your passionate, though condescending response. We'll just agree to disagree here. We'll stick with our dentist analogy. While we love good car mechanics, we feel phlebotomists have a higher level of skill than one who makes battery recommendations, and our comparison fits. Still, we respect your opinion and agree that it's not about the money, it's about patient safety and phlebotomist's safety. That's why we think they should be used sparingly.
@@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509
OK, compare it with what you like. The minimum length of schooling to become a phlebotomist vs. a car mechanic vs. a dentist is out there, so anyone interested can easily look it up. It doesn't even matter all that much; I think you've missed my point. If one has a say about a car battery choice, one should also have a say about her/his body being invaded with a sharp object. I'll let you decide which one is more important, blood or battery.
Now, every profession requires a skill set, and every profession has it's ethics, right? If the same quality blood specimen can be obtained, and the "injury factor" is eliminated, then why deny a person a needle that will cause less stress and pain? In the end, every procedure should be patient-centric. Not phlebotomist-centric. Patient safety? Yeah, sure.
You know what BD Ultratouch / BD Ultratouch Pentapoint needles are. No higher injury risk. Only higher price. And yet, definitely less pain and discomfort for the patient. Please, feel free to educate patients about those two devices.
All other things being equal, do you agree that less pain and trauma is worth an extra dollar or so and extra 30" or so per patient? It's a simple question, really.
As a patient, I wouldn't mind paying and extra buck or two out of pocket, if only I had the choice. And, not that the big corporate labs can cry poverty, anyway.
At the end, please, "mosquito bite" analogy and "just a pinch" are quite insulting to some people who rightfully think that the blood draw makes for a pretty brutal spectacle.
@@epohonyllis1070 I agree with you. If a cost factor of .90 cents is such a big deal I’m sure the patient would be willing to cough up .90 cents to get their preference. I came here looking to find out what a butterfly needle was as it was mentioned in a veterinary video. Why should a patient dictate his preference? Because it is their body. 🤔. And the video did come across as condescending. Sometimes it just is what it is.
@@epohonyllis1070 honestly- I agree. The patient is typically charged between $130-$160 for the draw itself. Even if the needle costs an extra dollar- I’m sure the person who set that price allocated for the needle cost of several tries- it would seem silly if they didn’t. I used to work at a smaller clinical lab- I was in charge of 50 phlebotomist at 50 satellite locations- if they could not obtain the specimen the patients would come to me at the main lab, I would draw their specimens and that would be that. Most issues tended to be a close mind of the phlebotomists part of which vein to use- they couldn’t find one in their preferred looking spot- so they tried, failed and sent them to me. If they’d looked a little further they would have found a fantastic on if they simply rolled the patients wrist over and boom one pops right up just below their cephalic location. Seems silly but, it’s much less painful for the patient than using hands, etc. (I’ve honestly never heard of a difference in safety between the two- If anything the push button butterflies would seem to be the safest since you literally are NEVER in front of a needle or at risk of being in front of it like you could be with a straight needle…small movements vs large movements- like using a table to engage the straight needle safety.) Also, the accidental sticks I’ve been witness to were due to failing to properly dispose of a needle in a sharps container and leaving it on a bed (I’m looking at you IV team 👀) resulting in someone being stuck with a dirty needle OR a psych patient/child suddenly moving and causing a ruckus that resulted in someone accidentally being stuck with a new clean needle. I worked as a phlebotomist for 15 years and can count on 1 hand how many happened under my supervision and in any of the five facilities I worked in. It just doesn’t happen frequently enough to refuse to use them over my own safety concerns, though for a patient who has a vasovagal response and passes out- it may actually be in the patients best interest especially if there’s no reclining chair or bed available. I have refused to use needles that did not have a safety period- even though they were being used on goats.) That was simply due to my concern about being knocked off balance during the draw and possibly sticking myself or someone else. (Research Phlebotomy is such a FUN field!) Regardless, a box of 50-23g butterflies is about $35-100 (depending where you go and what kind of buying power your facility has) A box of 50-23g straight needles runs around $24. I don’t think the cost difference is really that big to make a patient that uncomfortable. I mean I have convinced patients I don’t need one and been just fine- but if a patient is that passionate about a butterfly- just use the butterfly. If that’s what they’re consenting to- then you legally can’t use anything else on them since they stipulated their consent on the condition of you using a butterfly. Most companies aren’t able keeping track that closely to how many you’re using. They already factor them in- especially for blood cultures.
I only use butterfly when absolutely need too. but my job used butterfly all the time. I am glad you mentioned it is 5 times more likely to be stuck with butterfly than a straight.
As a healthcare provider this is utter BS. Let the patient request the butterfly if they want.
We respectfully disagree.
@@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509 you can disagree if you want but it’s never been a problem where I’ve worked to use butterfly needles. The labs I use never have a problem requesting butterfly needles because all these “reasons” are just excuses.
this doesnt seem as if it comes from a genuinely caring place.
I have my records marked that only butterfly needles are to be used. Despite this I have one doctors office lab that not only refuses to use them but has told me they cause many tests (cholesterol, pancreas & liver enzymes and such) to be extremely inaccurate (i have liver and pancreas issues not to mention very bad veins) so I have to get an order and have them done at another doctors office. She also says there's no such thing as 'veins that roll' despite doctors and nurses telly me most of my adult life that mine do. They also blow very easy and are very small.
Last time I was getting more tests drawn for my pancreatitis they (the ER) used a butterfly to collect blood. Keep wondering if I should report her?
Yes, I would
I’m a person with pretty bad trypanophobia. I literally almost passed out during my first blood draw because I was absolutely overwhelmed with anxiety. I’ve gotten blood draws from both the crook of the elbow and my hand, and for some reason I have a much easier time anxiety-wise getting a draw through my hand as apposed to my arm. I don’t outright request butterfly needles, but I do ask for providers to go through my hand instead as it really helps the anxiety and helps with the whole nausea and passing out process. Is it possible for the technician to go through my hand with any needle instead of JUST the butterfly needle? I don’t care about what they use, it’s just the location I’m worried about.
Thanks for your vedios!!!
I've been told by a nurse for my veins, I need to ask for a butterfly for the future so I don't end up with tracks and bruises on my arms. Apparently my veins are hard to find.
I have a patient that comes in every 6 wks to get infusion therapy for arthritis. The patient has always had her infusion started with a butterfly needle even before I started working for this practice. I was told by patient that she has an allergy to the material Introcan Safety 3 Closed IV Catheters are made of (this is noted in her chart as well) Personally I prefer not to use a butterfly because in my opinion you have less control of the needle. What do you suggest? Thanks in advance.
We're not sure of your question. There should be no allergy to the material in a standard butterfly set, which is different from a Closed IV Catheter. We find butterfly sets allow for greater maneuverability, not less. Just make sure you don't let go of it while using it, which is prohibited in the standards. It must be either taped down to the arm or hand-held throughout the procedure. I hope this helps. Feel free to add a follow-up question.
Get someone who is comfortable with using butterfly needles to take the patients blood sample.
Yeah sorry, just had a technician infiltrate a vein then tried to blame it on me. If I want a butterfly needle, I'll be getting it from now on.
This is ridiculous. What about patients that don’t have an obvious disorder but insist that they do because THEY KNOW THEIR OWN BODIES? Underlying disorders aren’t always obvious and phlebotomists aren’t doctors. Patients insistences aren’t always something to try and reason away because you’re a “professional” who “knows better.”
We agree... partially. Patient requests always should be considered. Patients may know their own bodies, but very few know where the veins are in their antecubital, or the risks involved when drawing from the basilic, if it's the most obvious. A blend of patient input and phlebotomist expertise is best.
I’m sorry if you had a phlebotomist that actually was being unprofessional and not being respectful to what you’re saying to make you feel so upset. Though, that’s not right to label us all like that. Saying a phlebotomist is not considered a real professional & doesn’t know better about blood draws (which is their sole specialty) is ignorant and insulting. We’re there to protect you from injury risks or your test results being inaccurate. He never said to reason away what a patient says or accused patients of not knowing their bodies (patients remember which veins were generally most successful & less stressful). I take what a patient says seriously & accommodate their request as much as possible. However, I have to make judgement calls like how veins can change from a variety of factors, & what may have been your best vein last time may not be your best vein at the time of your blood draw. I’ve seen that it’s true with my own veins. It’s my job to make sure.
@@lillie5108 Well stated, Lillie! Very polite and professional. Thank you.
I keep 21 gauge butterflies for patients that have big veins and insist on having a butterfly but don't actually need one. Most patients don't understand that the term " butterfly" has nothing to do with that size of needle. 😁
@@sunnyaripeka724 As a patient who prefers a butterfly needle, a large-gauge one sounds great to me -- just means we get done faster! The problem with the conventional straight needle is not the gauge, but the reduced control the phlebotomist has of the needle position in the vein. With an exceptional phlebotomist, I really don't care which type they use, since the experience will be great either way (I have an easy vein.) But not everybody can be exceptional. I'd say about 10-25% of the ones I encounter at labs are bad enough that I would rather they use the butterfly needle, so they have an easier time hitting the right place, and keeping the needle still during tube changes. Unfortunately, I don't know in advance which kind I'm going to get! So far I've never gone as far as asking for a butterfly, but I'm always much happier when I get one. Feels like they care about my experience.
What about venipuncture using an IV catheter?
I request it because nobody can get a bigger one in. both arms have been bruised up after tell a nurse I would need butterfly and he said he was a pro and could do the other. after trying numerous times in both arms had to eventually do butterfly.
Can you do a video on how to angle the needle upon insertion?
How about this one? th-cam.com/video/GZDZSOoA474/w-d-xo.html
@@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509 thank you!
I’m 14 with really bad anxiety and I’m so nervous what needle will they use to me tommorow to draw blood
You'll be fine. The needles are all pretty small. You shouldn't really feel anything more than what a mosquito bite is like. Just a pinch. There's no need for you to watch. Just bring something to distract you if you'd like, like a video, or talk to whoever you are with about other things.
Thanks man will they use a butterfly needle
And will emla cream numb it so I can’t feel nowt
@@user-dv5uw9sl2y bro I get nervous to I have to have butterfly or I will not be able to do it because the middle of my arm feels so innocent and I don’t even like anyone to touch it in the first place.
Amazing! I work in Germany and we only have butterfly to use:(
Wow, that's really interesting, Camila. Sounds expensive, too.
I personally prefer to use butterflies when drawing blood, but we have some scarcity issues with lab resources at our workplace. So we inevitably have to save them for the patients with more fragile veins, and in a way this issue prompted me to learn more on how to draw blood effectively in other ways.
do you have a book?
I was a phlebotomist for 15 years (I’ve since moved to become a technician, which does require me to draw blood but much less frequently.) When I’ve had people request a butterfly straight off I ask them why. I’ve found there are two types of people 1) people who have had traumatic experiences and thus are afraid of straight needles- maybe they had a newer phlebotomist who didn’t twist the tube when removing and so they moved the needle and caused pain/or the wrong needle was used initially while they were very ill and so the phlebotomist missed resulting in multiple sticks. Their experience is valid- I always express empathy for that. 2) people who think the needles are “bigger” because they’re longer. This usually results in me bringing both needle options out and showing them that they are in fact the same gauge just different lengths. This usually surprises them and they relax a little bit- allowing me to go forward without further convincing required. If not- I explain why I would prefer a longer needle to a shorter needle- expressing their comfort and my ability to get “deeper” if they have “deep veins” or if they’re obese. I explain that butterfly needles are great for very superficial veins or very tiny/cordy veins where I need a different type of angle that’s prevented by the vaccutainer on the straight needle. Once I’ve addressed these concerns most people feel confident that if I say I can get it with a straight needle- I can and I do. (I am extremely clear that I will not stick them until I am absolutely sure I can do it in one shot with what I have.) When I have a situation after palpating where I’m not sure or something seems off, or if the patient is really making a fuss- I’ll accommodate the butterfly request. If I have a situation where a patient feels dehydrated so their veins aren’t so bouncy, I’ll have them drink some water and check back in a few minutes- most people are okay with this when I express my sincere desire to only have to stick them once- most people appreciate that kind of honesty. I always assure them if I miss- though unlikely (reiterating that I will only stick them if I am positive I can get it) - I’ll always use a butterfly after that. There’s been very few cases of someone saying I needed a butterfly and me actually needing a butterfly. People who will actually need a butterfly usually tell me I will need a butterfly and then will describe the exact angle and vein I should use to obtain the sample. My only exception to using a butterfly needle for someone with good veins and otherwise not requiring it would be a VERY high tube count. I worked for a research facility where I drew no less than 15 tubes on each patient. In this case- to ensure patient comfort and flexibility for myself- I always used a butterfly. If I ever ran out (I think it may have happened twice in 11 years) I was completely able to use a straight needle- however it was murder on my wrist to ensure it did not move. I have also worked at other places who would exclusively use a butterfly needle for “reasons” my guess is someone sued them. Honestly- I’ve never found butterflies to be more “dangerous” than straight needles for an accidental stick. I think that the unfamiliarity with the way each one secures is the problem. Some are a push button and the others slide. You just have to be familiar with which one you’re using and become confident with that. I think the risk is increased when someone suddenly realizes they have no idea how the safety works and they suddenly have to figure it out on the fly while preventing a patient from bleeding or accidentally sticking themself. Great points though.
You are 100 percent correct in all regards, Heather. What an articulate and accurate account. Your years of experience really show through. You'd be a great teacher, coach, mentor to new phlebotomists. Your employer is lucky to have you, and we're lucky to know you!
@@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509 thank you. I strive for excellence in everything I do.
@@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509 Yup the moving of the needle when changing vials is why I hate giving blood and will request a butterfly needle from here on out. Now you understand
If I want a butterfly needle that’s what I’ll get or I’ll go somewhere else, it’s about what the patient wants
It helps to see things from a phlebotomist's perspective. Asking them to put themselves at a greater risk by using a butterfly may not be well received. You do have the right to go elsewhere, though. The patient doesn't get to pick the needle anymore than they get to tell their dentist what kind of drill to use on their teeth. A conversation as to why you require a butterfly is important, as it an open mind as to why it may not be necessary.
@@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509 you tell them, I can't stand when they demand a butterfly when they have hoses for veins.
"Why should the patient get to tell you what to use for YOUR procedure?" dude they're MY veins y'all keep blowing what do you want me to do? After 20 years I'm out of good veins cuz of these "professionals".
Thank you from my bottom of the heart to making this video every word I would take it from you.
You are very welcome! Thank you for the kind words.
Thank sir
If my patient wants a butterfly he's gonna get a butterfly. I don't know why phlebotomists want to convince them not to. I don't care. I'll use what my patient prefers.
It's pretty rare that they request butterflies anyway
Just walked out of a lab today when the tech said she didn't have a butterfly. Nope. Not going to be intimidated, bullied, ignored, patronized, hurt, bruised, etc., because the phlebotomist is more comfortable using a straight needle or because of the corporate bottom line. I know what works better for me.
Ben
unpopular opinion but I really dislike butterfly... they sting!
Good point (pardon the pun!).