Which health care team member can perform venipuncture?

D
Specimens of blood can be obtained by various health care team members by venipuncture, by arterial or capillary puncture, from central lines, or from implanted ports. Standard Precautions are used for any of these procedures. The nurse may either perform or assist with these techniques, depending on her or his scope of practice and the policy of the health care institution. It is important for the nurse to observe the client's response to the procedure and to see that specimens are correctly labeled and sent to the appropriate laboratory.