Abstract

A group of seven nurses from a range of laboratory and hospital settings across the United States were invited to present opinions and clinical case study examples that reflect the key considerations in peripheral blood sample collection involving lower volume samples and patients affected by difficult venous access (DVA). Panelists were asked to review and compare prevailing standard operating procedures (SOPs) in sample collection and challenges in efforts to expand the use of lower volume sample collection and processing. The discussion identified achievable goals to improve standard of care in lower volume blood sample collection and the treatment of DVA patients.