Cervical Venipuncture55

Cervical venipuncture, also known as jugular venipuncture, is a common procedure performed on dogs to collect blood samples. It involves puncturing the jugular vein, which is located on either side of the neck, to obtain blood for diagnostic purposes.

Materials Required* Sterile gloves
* Tourniquet
* Alcohol wipes
* 21- or 23-gauge needle and syringe
* Blood collection tubes
* Iodine solution or other disinfectant
* Gauze or cotton balls

Procedure1. Restraint: Restrain the dog securely using a muzzle or Elizabethan collar and a leash.
2. Preparation: Clip the fur around the jugular vein and clean the area thoroughly with an alcohol wipe.
3. Tourniquet: Apply a tourniquet around the neck, approximately 3-5 cm above the jugular vein. Do not tighten it excessively.
4. Positioning: Position the dog in a standing or lateral recumbent position with the head extended.
5. Location: Palpate the jugular vein on the side of the neck. It will feel like a soft, pulsating tube.
6. Injection: Insert the needle into the jugular vein at a 15-30 degree angle. The bevel of the needle should be facing upward.
7. Aspiration: Aspirate the blood into the syringe slowly and gently.
8. Tube Collection: Transfer the blood from the syringe into the blood collection tubes.
9. Removal: Remove the needle and apply pressure to the puncture site with a gauze or cotton ball.
10. Release: Release the tourniquet and observe the puncture site for any bleeding.

Complications* Hematoma (blood pooling around the puncture site)
* Infection
* Hemorrhage
* Pneumothorax (puncturing the lung)

Precautions* Ensure proper restraint to prevent the dog from moving during the procedure.
* Avoid puncturing the carotid artery, which is adjacent to the jugular vein.
* If the dog is uncooperative or has a small or difficult-to-locate jugular vein, consider using an alternate venipuncture site, such as the cephalic or saphenous veins.
* If you encounter any resistance or difficulty, withdraw the needle and reposition it.
* Monitor the puncture site for any signs of bleeding or infection.

Tips* Warm the blood collection tubes slightly to encourage blood flow.
* Use a large enough needle (21- or 23-gauge) to ensure a smooth and efficient draw.
* Aspirate the blood slowly and steadily to avoid hemolysis (rupture of red blood cells).
* If you are collecting multiple samples, order the tubes according to the specific tests required.
* Label the blood collection tubes clearly with the patient's name, date, and time of collection.

2024-11-18

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