What are the differences between blood draw chairs and regular chairs found in a medical office?
At first glance, they may resemble regular chairs with molded plastic or upholstered seats. Some even resemble conventional recliners. They have secure four-point bases for stability. However, blood draw chairs feature one or two arm rests that may be raised into an upright position or swung to the side to allow the patient easy access to the seat.
The arm rests serve three functions. First, the patient’s arm is comfortably supported during preparation for and during the venipuncture. Second, the phlebotomist has a stable place to put the vials, alcohol swabs and other required equipment until needed. Third, if the patient begins to feel faint or slumps over, the arm rest will provide support, preventing him or her from falling on the floor.
While some models are fixed in height, other chairs for blood draws may be adjusted for the comfort of the medical technician. Models using electric motors or hydraulics to raise and lower the seat are available, too.
Several model designs offer drawers that are built into the chair’s base or as optional add-ons to keep supplies handy.
Other format options include extra wide chairs for bariatric patients, formations with child-friendly graphics for use by pediatric patients, or free-standing arm rests for patients who may not be able to be easily seated in the chairs such as those who use mobility devices.
How are phlebotomy chairs used?
The patient is seated and if required, the clinician adjusts the chair’s height and swings or folds the arm rest into place. The patient places his or her arm onto the rest, and the clinician arranges the necessary supplies on the remaining area of the rest. Next, the clinician finds a suitable vein, cleans the area, and performs the venipuncture, collecting the sample in a vial. When the appropriate amount of blood has been drawn, the clinician stops the bleeding by pressing on the site with a gauze square and an adhesive bandage, then completes any forms and sends it to the lab.
Why are phlebotomy chairs used?
For the patient, they provide a stable and comfortable seated place to rest the arm while giving a blood sample, both to ease anxiety and reduce the risk of injury related to the blood draw.
For the clinician, blood draw chairs allow them access to the patient’s vein safely and easily while reducing the risk of injury caused by improper body alignment or accidentally puncturing one’s self with a needle.
Clinical facilities benefit as well. The risk of worker’s comp cases due to on the job back injuries or puncture wounds as well as reducing the chances of patient lawsuits from injuries greatly benefit a facility’s bottom line.
Who uses blood draw chairs?
Any clinician qualified to acquire blood samples from patients may use them.
Blood draw chairs may be used for any patient, from infants who are able to sit upright to seniors and anyone in between. For the smallest patients, special phlebotomy tables are available.
Blood work is used in diagnosing many conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer that affect the lives of patients of all ages. It is also used to monitor medication levels in conditions such as bipolar disorder to ensure that the dosage fits within therapeutic guidelines.
Where are phlebotomy chairs used?
They are used in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, and residential care facilities such as nursing homes. Some are also suitable for use in blood donation centers.
Rehabmart is pleased to carry blood draw chairs from esteemed manufacturers that include Brewer, Clinton Industries, Hausmann Industries and Winco.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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