RE: Phlebotomists using ultrasound

[Kokotis, Kathy]

Ultrasound has no reimbursement for in-patients regardless of who uses it   Prep needs to be taught I agree but infection is a reality in superficial vein selection as well as deep.  Education is the answer period   Using all the veins that is an issue as I believe those patients with multiple lab draws should have a central line that is appropriate   There are no ultimate answers but I do see the day now that new devices are coming out like luminex to help with accessing veins.  In the future all access will be done with visualization whether it be superficial devices like luminex or ultrasound   Kathy       Confidentiality Notice:  This e-mail and any attachments are intended only for the use of those to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is confidential and prohibited from further disclosure under law. If you have received this e-mail in error, its review, use, retention and/or distribution is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message and any attachments.[v1.0] From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2006 11:27 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Phlebotomists using ultrasound In a message dated 9/14/2006 8:30:50 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Lab techs using ultrasound to do phelbotomy is a good idea as they are currently doing blind sticks with palpation and visualization.  I think they should use ultrasound on all lab draws where the patient is not a candidate for a central line.  Maybe it will decrease nerve injuries if we get then out of the antecubital area   This is going to happen more and more by the way with CT and MRI dye studies growing and techs also placing peripheral IV's   We are just starting to see the changes in medicine that will occur in the next five years.   Kathy Kathy-While you are probably right-has anyone watched a lab tech do a "prep" prior to venipuncture?  Who is going to pay the added cost of the ultrasound on the lab charge? Giving them the ability to go after deeper veins increases the chances of infection for the patient and potentially decreases the viable veins for PICCs. We are already seeing patients who are to have their 10th PICC placed=and no these patients are not Port candidates. Gives me cause for worry-how about you???