FFinalistSouthampton · 2027
All procedures
GMC #07/Diagnostic procedures taught Y3

Venepuncture

Insert a needle into a vein to take a blood sample; ensure correct order of draw, correct containers, correct labelling, and prompt dispatch to the lab.

Target · Perform independently0% ready

Do it yourself on a patient, with support available if you need it — the GMC’s highest new-grad level (“indirect supervision”).

Overview

Bread-and-butter FY1 skill. Marks turn on ANTT, order of draw, tourniquet timing and bedside labelling.

Key numbers

  • Order of draw: blood cultures → coagulation (light blue) → serum (gold/red) → heparin (green) → EDTA (purple) → fluoride oxalate (grey)GP notebook / lab practice
  • Tourniquet on for <1 minute — prolonged stasis haemolyses the sample and falsely raises K⁺RCPath / lab practice
  • Insert bevel-up at 15–30°; release the tourniquet before withdrawing the needleClinical practice

Indications

  • Blood tests for diagnosis & monitoring
  • Blood cultures (see separate)

Contraindications & cautions

  • Avoid an arm with an AV fistula, lymphoedema (post-mastectomy), or an IV infusion running

Equipment

TourniquetVacutainer holder + needle (or butterfly)Blood bottles (correct order)Antiseptic wipe, gauze, tape, sharps bin

Step by step

Prepare
  1. 1Confirm patient identity, consent, check allergies (e.g. plasters)
  2. 2Wash hands, gloves; apply the tourniquet ~4 finger-widths above the site
  3. 3Palpate a suitable vein (antecubital fossa — median cubital); clean and let dry
Draw
  1. 1Anchor the skin; insert bevel-up at ~15–30°
  2. 2Fill bottles in the correct order of draw: blood cultures → coagulation (blue) → serum (gold) → heparin (green) → EDTA (purple) → fluoride (grey)
  3. 3Release the tourniquet before removing the needle
  4. 4Apply pressure; dispose of the sharp immediately
After
  1. 1Label bottles at the bedside; complete the request; send promptly

Complications

  • Haematoma, vasovagal syncope, nerve injury, haemolysed/clotted sample

OSCE tips

  • Tourniquet <1 minute — prolonged application haemolyses the sample and falsely raises potassium.
  • Order of draw prevents cross-contamination of additives.
  • Label at the bedside — never pre-label or label away from the patient.

Watch

Read

Venepuncture — OSCE GuideGeeky Medics

Reference cards

Sources & credits

Authored to UK finals standard and verified against UK guidance (GP notebook · RCPath · Clinical practice) and Geeky Medics OSCE guides . Southampton teaching materials © University of Southampton. Always follow current local policy.