What is your institutions policy on collecting a blood sample below an IV? Do you stop the IV prior to collection?

Lab phlebots would never draw below an IV. We encourage them not to draw anywhere near an IV if at all possible (especially ones in the hand!). The problem is with decentralized phlebotomy performed by RNs. Education is not as effective with them and is a constant struggle for us.

A more serious issue is when an APTT is drawn through a heparinized line, or when a central line is not cleared properly before a Lab specimen is drawn. We have had a special problem with TPN contaminated specimens over the last year.