http://nephron.com/fkg.html
Attention:
To nurses or phlebotomist who are about to start
an
iv or draw blood on me.
Someday, I may need hemodialysis. That is best performed
through an A-V fistula. The fistula lasts longer than the other types of access,
has a lower incidence of infection, and does not have a higher incidence of
clotting with EPO (Erythropoietin). However, it takes months to mature.
- If I develop phlebitis or
scars in my veins, the surgeons may never be able to create a sucessful
fistula on me.
- Therefore, if you need
blood, or need to start an iv, here is the dorsum of my hand. If you must
stick me several times, please rotate the sites.
- Especially, stay away from
the cephalic vein of my non-dominant hand (the entire hand, especially my
wrist-radial cephalic). (I usually wear my wristwatch on my non-dominant
hand).
- I am trying to exercise to make my veins bigger.
- Remember, many of the iv
solutions that you are about to give me may be very irritating to my veins.
- Try to minimize needle
sticks. If you need blood and an iv infusion, get both at the same time. If
you must draw blood or give me injections, please use a #23 needle.
For more information see NKF-DOQI
Guideline 7 or The PreESRD Guidebook