Getting back to my original question, I think, after talking to our lab director, that we will offer the phlebotomists the ability to call the PICC nurse who can bring the U/S to the bedside and help the phlebotomist identify a vessel. He felt that they would only need it maybe once or twice a month which certainly does not lend itself well to developing competence or justify the purchase of another machine for Lab! We have a PICC nurse here 24/7 so they can help when needed. Wendy Erickson
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bev and Tim Royer Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 9:03 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: RT's using US for ABG's Another thing we need to think about is nerve damage. My veins even on a good day at the antecub are not easy to find and I have had some probe and some extreme pain when they go deep. I truly believe that ultrasound needs to be left those who use it all the time and have a deep knowledge of anatomy and physiology and aseptic technique. This could end up with more facilities going to court over nerve damage and/or infection. If a phlebotomist or RT has the same education as a RN with critical thinking skills in this area, I might think differently. Using ultrasound is not just a skill. Timothy Royer, BSN, CRNI Nurse Manager / Vascular Access / Diagnostic Service VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle, WA PS - AVA Conference in Indy was a great time and informative! It has taken me a few days to rest up. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Erickson, Wendy Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 4:38 AM To: DAVID LONGSETH; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: RT's using US for ABG's Use caution! We had an outbreak of infections related to contaminated ultrasound gel several years ago. The bottles were being refilled from a large supply, rather than using a new bottle when empty. I would be very concerned about using non-sterile gel anywhere near a venipuncture site. Wendy Erickson RN -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DAVID LONGSETH Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2006 8:52 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RT's using US for ABG's Similar to the 'phlebotomists using US' but different enough for another thread. A couple of our RT's are interested in using US for ABG's. The training and competencies shouldn't be too hard to do,and they have access to a Site-Rite 2. What I'd like to do is a pre-audit of palpation ABG's in terms of time to get the sample and # of sticks,then train a few in US guidance and then see how the times,sticks to pt. and materials used compare. Now,the one thing that I still can't decide is whether to have them use a sterile sleeve over the probe or not. Drawing ABG's is not a sterile procedure per se,so my instinct is to have them disinfect the probe before and after the stick but maybe someone out there has other views. Thaks for any input, David ********************Confidentiality Notice******************** This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution of this email message, including any attachment, is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please advise the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you. ********************Confidentiality Notice******************** This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution of this email message, including any attachment, is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please advise the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you.
