Hemoglobin Testing, Bedside
Monitoring hemoglobin levels at the patient’s bedside provides fast, accurate results that allow for immediate intervention, if necessary. In contrast, traditional monitoring methods take longer because they require sending blood samples to the laboratory for interpretation.
Several testing systems are available for bedside monitoring. Such systems are also convenient for the patient to use at home.
Normal hemoglobin values range from 12.5 to 15 g/dL. A below-normal hemoglobin value may indicate anemia, recent hemorrhage, or fluid retention, causing hemodilution. An elevated hemoglobin value suggests hemoconcentration from polycythemia or dehydration.
Equipment
Lancet ▪ microcuvette ▪ photometer ▪ gloves ▪ alcohol pads ▪ gauze pads.
Preparation of Equipment
Turn on the photometer. If it hasn’t been used recently, insert the control cuvette to make sure that the photometer is working properly.
Implementation
Verify the doctor’s order.
Gather the appropriate equipment.
Confirm the patient’s identity using at least two patient identifiers according to your facility’s policy.4
Explain the procedure to the patient.
Tell him that he’ll feel a pinprick in his finger during blood sampling.
If needed, plug the photometer into the wall.
Select an appropriate puncture site. For an adult, the middle and fourth fingers are the best choices. The second finger is usually the most sensitive, and the thumb may have thickened skin or calluses. Blood should circulate freely in the finger from which you’re drawing blood, so avoid using a ring-bearing finger. To ensure an adequate blood sample, don’t use a cold, cyanotic, or swollen area as the puncture site.
Pediatric Alert
For an infant, use the heel or great toe.
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