Name of the Procedure:

Venipuncture, younger than age 3 years, necessitating the skill of a physician or other qualified health care professional, not to be used for routine venipuncture; femoral or jugular vein

• Commonly referred to as: specialized blood draw, venous access in infants.

Summary

Venipuncture in very young children, particularly those under 3 years old, involves drawing blood from a vein, typically the femoral or jugular vein, which requires the expertise of a physician or qualified healthcare professional. This procedure is not used for routine blood draws but in situations that need special skills due to the child's age and vein access challenges.

Purpose

• Medical condition or problem it addresses: Difficult blood draws where access to a vein is challenging, especially in emergency or critical care situations.
• Goals: To obtain a reliable sample of blood for diagnostic purposes or to establish intravenous access for treatments.
• Expected outcomes: Accurate diagnostic information and/or successful administration of medical treatments.

Indications

• Severe dehydration making peripheral veins difficult to access.
• Need for urgent or multiple blood draws for extensive testing.
• Requirement for intravenous medication or fluids when peripheral access fails.

Preparation

• Instructions: Ensure the child is calm; swaddling or comfort measures may be needed.
• Diagnostic tests: None typically required beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. Child stabilization: The child is securely positioned, often with assistance from a caregiver for comfort.
2. Site cleaning: The puncture site (femoral or jugular vein) is sterilized with antiseptic.
3. Needle insertion: A sterile needle is carefully inserted into the targeted vein.
4. Blood draw or IV access: Blood is collected, or an IV line is established for treatment.
5. Needle removal and site care: The needle is removed, and the site is bandaged to prevent bleeding.
   • Tools: Sterile needle, antiseptic wipes, blood collection tubes, tourniquet (if needed).
   • Anesthesia: Local anesthetic cream may be applied to minimize discomfort.

Duration

Typically takes about 10-20 minutes, including preparation and post-procedure care.

Setting

Performed in hospitals, emergency rooms, or specialized outpatient clinics.

Personnel

• Involved healthcare professionals: Physician or qualified healthcare professional, nurse, caregiver (for child support).

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Bruising, minor bleeding at the puncture site.
• Rare risks: Infection, accidental arterial puncture, hematoma formation, nerve injury.
• Complications management: Immediate application of pressure, antiseptic, and bandaging; follow-up for infection signs.

Benefits

• Expected benefits: Accurate diagnostic results, effective administration of medications or fluids.
• Realization time: Immediate to short-term, depending on the need for the blood draw or IV treatment.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care: Keep the puncture site clean and dry. Monitor for signs of infection or excessive bleeding.
• Expected recovery time: Usually within a few hours.
• Restrictions: Minimal; avoid excessive pressure on the puncture site.
• Follow-up: As required based on the child's condition.

Alternatives

• Other options: Peripheral venous access, finger or heel stick for capillary blood collection.
• Pros and cons: Peripheral access may be less invasive but harder to achieve in some patients; capillary methods provide limited blood volumes.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: The child may feel a brief sting or pinch. Crying is common due to the unfamiliar environment and restraint.
• After the procedure: Minor discomfort at the puncture site. Pain management includes comfort measures, local site care, and, if necessary, pain relief medication.