Back to: Linking to Care, Point of Care Testing (POCT). Aotearoa Edition
Having pressed next on your Health Network Collective mobile app, you should now see the HCV test procedure screen to assist you in the correct steps for getting to having obtained an adequate whole blood sample for testing, as outline below.
- Double check your workspace and equipment are suitably prepared.
- Check the expiration date on the back on the test device pouch or sealed wrapper.
- If the device has pouch has been opened do not use
- If the test device is expired do not use, please use a new device that is not expired.
- 5 moments of hygiene; wash your hands and put on a new pair of gloves
- During this time chat with your wai ora, explain what you are doing as you go. If your wai ora is the one doing the talking, be a good listener
- Open the test device pouch and place the device on a flat dry surface where the test is to be performed. At this stage we can also write the patients identification on the device.
- Have your wai ora hang their arm to their side while opening and closing their fist. This will help with circulation and make obtaining the correct sample size easier.
Determine the site for getting our sample. Use the ring finger on their non-dominant hand of the wai ora being tested.
Clean your wai ora’s test sample site with lengthwise up down motion using an alcohol swab. Allow the area to air dry. Do not blow or fan to dry.
Open your lancet, remove the safety cap exposing the needle and prick the finger. If an auto safety type, place over site and press the button. If a manual type, use a fast-piercing motion allowing the needle to go full depth, remove quickly.
Immediately discard the lancet in your sharp’s container.
Never use the same lancet more than once, even on the same patient.
Using your gauze swab, wipe away the first drop of blood.
Gently squeeze your wai ora’s finger and allow a drop of blood to form. This is best done with our wai ora hand below the level of their heart, forearm flat or on a slight downwards angle. This does take some practice, we don’t want a running stream, just a nice drop. If it runs, wipe away and gently squeeze again to get that drop forming.
Once there is a healthy drop of blood formed, gently squeeze the end of the pipette and bring the tip to touch the blood. Slowly release the pressure to collect the drop of blood.
Ensure that the blood fills to the fill line indicated on the pipette. Filling is NOT automatic so you do need to pay some attention as the sample fills the pipette. Again, some practice may be required. If the sample is under the line or not an adequate sample, reattempt.
Press either a gauze or cotton wool ball to the site and have your wai ora elevate their hand (holding their hand above the height of their heart is suffice) and get your wai ora to hold the gauze or cotton wool ball with gentle pressure against the sample site for a few minutes. Until the timer goes for the sample and test is generally a good length of time. Note, once the pressure is let off and gauze or cotton wool removed, if the sample site is still bleeding reapply pressure for another 5 minutes. If still bleeding apply a band aid or dressing over the gauze or cotton wool keep elevated and seek medical advice.
