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  • Title: Generalizability and Effectiveness of Butterfly Phlebotomy in Reducing Hemolysis.
    Author: Barnaby DP, Wollowitz A, White D, Pearlman S, Davitt M, Holihan L, Bijur P, Gallagher EJ.
    Journal: Acad Emerg Med; 2016 Feb; 23(2):204-7. PubMed ID: 26766429.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVES: The objective was to test the hypothesis that exclusive use of butterfly needles for phlebotomy, compared with sample collection via intravenous (IV) catheter, will reduce rates of sample hemolysis. METHODS: This was an observational study of hemolysis rates before and after implementation of a "butterfly-only" phlebotomy protocol. Weekly hemolysis rates, generated by the central laboratory, were collected and the proportion of hemolyzed specimens before and after protocol implementation were compared. RESULTS: Prior to institution of the butterfly-only protocol, 11.3% of specimens sent from the emergency department were reported as hemolyzed. During the postintervention period, only 4.3% of specimens were hemolyzed for a proportionate decrease of 62% and an absolute decrease of 7.0% (95% confidence interval = 6.6% to 7.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Use of a butterfly-only phlebotomy protocol cuts hemolysis rates by more than half when compared with IV catheter phlebotomy.
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