LQPB2403 - CMLE - Venipuncture on the Ipsilateral Mastectomy Arm: To Draw or Not to Draw?-Venipuncture on the Ipsilateral Mastectomy Arm: To Draw or Not to Draw?

Venipuncture on the Ipsilateral Mastectomy Arm: To Draw or Not to Draw?

Pdf Summary

The document provides information on phlebotomy, specifically focusing on a case study of a 68-year-old breast cancer survivor who developed lymphedema following a venipuncture procedure on her mastectomy arm. The importance of understanding complications related to venipuncture, guidelines to avoid lymphedema in breast cancer patients, and the role of phlebotomists in specimen collection are discussed. Despite recommendations against drawing blood from mastectomy arms, there is a lack of strong evidence to support this claim. The document also emphasizes the significance of following proper procedures to ensure patient safety and specimen integrity in laboratory testing. Breast cancer-related lymphedema is highlighted as a chronic condition with potentially severe consequences, leading to decreased quality of life for survivors. The text concludes with a brief discussion on advancements in technology, such as vein finder devices, to aid in blood collection. Overall, the document underscores the crucial role of phlebotomists in healthcare and the need for adherence to best practices to prevent complications in various patient populations.

Keywords

phlebotomy

venipuncture complications

lymphedema prevention

breast cancer patients

phlebotomist role

mastectomy arm

specimen collection guidelines

patient safety procedures

breast cancer-related lymphedema

vein finder devices