Consent
Valid consent for blood collection, and what to do when a patient may lack capacity.
Consent every time
A patient must agree to the blood test before you take blood. Explain what you will do and why, mention risks such as bruising or fainting, and ask whether they are happy to go ahead.
Refusal
If a patient says no, do not proceed. Record the refusal and tell whoever requested the test.
Capacity
Adults are presumed to have capacity to decide. If you doubt a patient’s capacity, stop and involve the requesting clinician. Mental capacity law differs between the UK nations; follow your employer’s policy.
Children
Who can consent for a child depends on the child’s age and understanding and on the law in your nation. Follow your employer’s policy, and involve the parent or carer.
Records
Record that consent was given, especially in less straightforward situations.
General information only, not legal advice. Rules differ between the UK nations and change over time; check official guidance or take advice for your situation.
Related topics
Infection prevention and control
Hand hygiene, PPE, skin preparation and cleaning equipment in phlebotomy.
Sharps
Using, containing and disposing of sharps safely.
Temperature control for samples
Keeping blood samples within the laboratory’s temperature and time requirements.
Incident reporting
What to report, how to write it up, and why near misses matter.
Lola Dispatch is invitation-only
Lola Dispatch offers mobile blood draw jobs to approved phlebotomists. We add phlebotomists by invitation.
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