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‘Push-Pull’ Blood Sampling in Veterinary Medicine | VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Podcasts

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we interview Dr. Ciara Barr. Dr. Barr is a lecturer in the anesthesia department at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Barr was the primary author on the paper, “Effect of blood collection by the push-pull technique from an indwelling catheter versus direct venipuncture on venous blood gas values before and after administration of alfaxalone or propofol in dogs.”

In this study, Dr. Barr evaluated a special “mixing” technique known as the “push-pull” technique, to obtain a blood sample as compared to the typical venipuncture or pre-sample technique. When using the “push-pull” technique, there is no “presample” and therefore no unnecessary blood loss. It also has the potential to greatly reduce the number of times we stick our patients with a needle to obtain a blood sample.

30 healthy dogs were enrolled in this prospective study. Each patient was placed under anesthesia for an elective surgical procedure. All dogs had a 20g catheter placed. Researchers collected blood samples using both venipuncture and the push-pull method, both prior to and after the dogs were anesthetized. The dogs were randomly assigned to be given one of two anesthesia drugs, alfaxalone or propofol.

The study concluded that while there were minor differences, there were no clinically significant differences when comparing important values such as pH, blood gases, electrolytes and other metrics. In the video below, Dr. Barr demonstrates the “Push-Pull” procedure. So, help minimize venipuncture in your veterinary canine and feline patients and consider this technique!

References:
1. Barr CA, Giacomo G, Graffeo CE, et al. Effect of blood collection by the push-pull technique from an indwelling catheter versus direct venipuncture on venous blood gas values before and after administration of alfaxalone or propofol in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2017;251(10):1166-1174.

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