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. 2017 Nov 24;28(1):010703. doi: 10.11613/BM.2018.010703

Table 3. Knowledge of sampling phase of the investigated nurses in the survey.

Questions Response rate,
N (%)
Missing rate,
N (%)
Which vein is preferred for venipuncture?
Median cubital vein / median vein* 2683 (87.2)* 62 (2.0)
Basilic vein 289 (9.4)
Other veins 43 (1.4)
Where is the proper location to apply a tourniquet?
3.5 - 5.0 cm above the venipuncture site 336 (10.9) 78 (2.5)
> 5.0 - < 7.5 cm above the venipuncture site 1577 (51.2)
7.5 - 10.0 cm above the venipuncture site* 910 (29.6)*
> 10.0 - < 12.5 cm above the venipuncture site 159 (5.2)
12.5 - 15.0 cm above the venipuncture site 17 (0.6)
How long can tourniquet application last?
≤ 60 seconds* 2402 (78.1)* 629 (20.4)
> 60 seconds 46 (1.5)
Should gloves be worn during phlebotomy?
Yes* 2021 (65.7)* 84 (2.7)
No 972 (31.6)
When is the proper time to put on gloves?
Before assembling supplies 299 (9.7) 683 (22.2)
Before performing venipuncture* 2062 (67.0)*
Others______ 33 (1.1)
What is the proper diameter of disinfection?
< 5.0 cm 48 (1.5) 356 (11.6)
≥ 5.0 cm 2673 (86.9)
What is the proper angle of needle insertion?
≤ 30°* 1896 (61.6)* 124 (4.0)
> 30 - ≤ 45° 1048 (34.1)
> 45° 9 (0.3)
When is the proper time to release the tourniquet?
After succeeding in performing venipuncture 898 (29.2) 117 (3.8)
As soon as blood flow is established* 569 (18.5)*
When blood half-fills the first tube 143 (4.6)
When blood fills the first tube 200 (6.5)
When blood fills the last tube 1150 (37.4)
When is the proper time to change tube during multi-tube sampling?
Until the vacuum is exhausted and blood flow ceases* 877 (28.5)* 179 (5.8)
Until the volume of the blood sample is sufficient based on your judgement 2021 (65.7)
When is the proper time to mix the blood collection tube that contains additives?
Mix each tube instantly after blood sampling* 2889 (93.9)* 64 (2.1)
Mix all tubes together after blood sampling is completed 124 (4.0)
What is the proper approach for mixing blood with additives?
Inverting up and down* 2666 (86.6)* 91 (3.0)
Vibrating left and right 320 (10.4)
How many times of mixture do you consider it is if a tube is fully inverted for 180° and then returned to the
initial position?
Once* 691 (22.5)* 174 (5.6)
Twice 2212 (71.9)
What is the proper approach for removing the needle and applying pressure?
Withdraw the needle prior to applying pressure* 2061 (67.0)* 54 (1.7)
Withdraw the needle after applying pressure 962 (31.3)
*Correct options based on the CLSI H3-A6 guidelines. Correct options based on the situation in China.