For cartridge testing of blood gases, electrolytes, chemistries, and hematocrits, draw the patient’s blood as described below.
Blood Draw
Completely fill a plain syringe, blood gas heparinized syringe (in the CCATT allowance standard), or a syringe with the minimum volume of heparin to prevent clotting (10 U/mL of blood). Mix a heparinized syringe by rolling it between the palms for at least 5 seconds in two directions, then invert the syringe repeatedly for at least 5 seconds. For best results, test the blood immediately. For samples measuring pH, PCO2, PO2, TCO2, and ionized calcium, sample processing within 10 minutes of blood draw is acceptable; other analytes can be processed within 30 minutes of blood draw if a heparinized syringe was used. If a tourniquet is used for a venous stick, do not leave it on for more than 1 minute; do not draw blood proximal to an IV site.
Criteria for Specimen Rejection
Precautions: Avoid the Following Circumstances
Cartridge Preparation for Loading Blood Sample