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Taking blood from antecubital fossa of a baby
To keep baby’s arm secure when undertaking a blood test from the antecubital fossa (crease of elbow). This action restricts movement.
This technique restricts movement by a parent holding the baby securely (the baby’s right arm is close to the parents chest).
Allow the baby to kick their feet.
The healthcare practitioner immobilises the baby’s left arm by placing one hand underneath the shoulder and one hand holds the baby’s wrist (palm upwards) with the elbow slightly flexed.
Evaluation of Risk Factors:-
Safety
This technique may cause redness if the healthcare practitioner/parents hand/fingers are required to act as a tourniquet. This procedure is not without risk, however if correct procedures are followed the risk is minimal.
Child/young person conditions or factors that will increase risk with this technique
None identified
Effectiveness
Babies and toddlers
Number of people required to apply this technique
3 (parent to hold baby, healthcare practitioner to hold arm, phlebotomist to undertake procedure).
