What should a nurse do to ensure a quality blood sample when drawing blood from a CVAD?

To ensure a quality blood sample when drawing blood from a Central Venous Access Device (CVAD), it is essential to discard the first 4 to 5 mL of blood drawn. This practice is crucial because the initial blood that comes from the CVAD may be contaminated with fluids, medications, or other substances that were recently administered through the line. Discarding this initial volume helps to minimize the risk of skewed laboratory results by ensuring that the sample reflects the patient's true blood composition rather than residuals from infusions.

This procedure is standard in blood sampling protocols and promotes accuracy in diagnostic testing. It also helps to eliminate any potential clotting that may have occurred within the catheter itself. Therefore, by following this protocol, the nurse is able to obtain a more reliable sample for testing, which contributes to better patient care and accurate medical decision-making.