This month we asked our newsletter readers and visitors to our web site what they use for bandaging venipuncture and skin puncture sites, and if their employer has a policy on inquiring about adhesive allergies.

Latex versus non-latex

We were delighted to see less than one percent of those responded still use latex bandages. Most in this survey use non-latex bandage or surgical tape with a folded gauze pad (57%), while 29 percent use an adhesive wrap (e.g., Coban). Seven percent use a commercial non-latex adhesive bandage, while, surprisingly, five percent use a non-latex spot bandage for venipuncture sites. What we found troubling is that two percent admitted to not bandaging venipuncture sites, which deviates from the standards.

Some comments:

• Usually non latex spot bandage but for geriatric patient will prefer to gauze wrap with Coban Or don't apply any bandage depending on skin condition
• Technically co-flex (a more user friendly Coban). But also non-latex adhesive bandage or gauze and paper tape if requested.
• Non latex coban and gauze
• If the patient is not on a blood thinner we use a non latex spot bandage. If the patient is on a blood thinner or has any clotting problems we use non latex Co-ban
• CO-BAN on every patient.
• I use coban on the elderly because of skin tears from tape and also men with hairy arms.(they appreciate it very much)
• No ugly tape!!! Silk and surgical tape can damage delicate skin. Gauze and paper tape - gauze and latex-free coban if patient is on coumadin
• We wrap the gauze around the patient's arm then securely apply non-latex tape on top of the gauze so that the tape does not touch the patient's skin.
• paper tape and gauze pad

Fingersticks and heelsticks

For fingersticks on infants 2 years of age, thirty-six percent use commercial non-latex adhesive bandages, while 21 percent use some other non-latex adhesive with a folded gauze pad. Four percent use latex bandages on infant fingers, while a whopping 14 percent don't bandage fingerstick sites at all.

Seven percent of newborns get latex bandages applied after their heelsticks by our survey participants, while nine percent get non-latex commercial bandages. Forty-three percent get non-latex adhesive strips with gauze pads. Twenty-four percent got non-latex spot bandages. 

Some comments:

• On premies I use gauze and a "Posie"
• bandaid with folded gauze
• paper tape with folded gauze
• No bandage used. apply pressure until bleeding stops. Choking hazard.
• Co-flex wrap with folded gauze
• We usually just hold pressure on the puncture until the bleeding stops
• must check with parent/guardian first
• Never surgical tape on a neonate! gauze and paper tape

Adhesive allergies

Forty-four percent of those responding said their facility has a policy on asking patients if they have an adhesive allergy. The same percentage said theirs did not. Twelve percent weren't sure. Of those who said they had a policy, 94 percent said they always follow it. Of those who have no policy where they work, sixty-eight percent said they sometimes or always ask the patient anyway. 

Some comments:

• Patient who have allergies will inform us
• Any patient I have encountered with an adhesive issue has been quick to inform me up front - even before I begin the collection procedure.
• Patients are always advised to remove the tape after a hour to avoid sensitivity issues usually the patient mentions it if he is allergic
• We ask about latex but not adhesive.
• We stock ONLY latex free adhesive, no need to ask about allergies
• I use co-ban on every patient, no adhesives ever.
• I work in a hospital, it is nursing responsibility to ask
• Our bandages are hypoallergenic. If the patient has an issue, they generally inform us. I advise them to remove the bandage after 20 minutes, or 5 minutes if they have sensitivity or bruising issues. If they have issues, I fold up gauze and keep it in place with tubigrip.

This month, we're asking the Mother of All Survey Questions: Would you recommend the phlebotomy profession to your friends and acquaintances? Why or why not? Take the survey.