Joint EFLM-COLABIOCLI Recommendation for venous blood sampling

Healthcare professionals often face challenges in ensuring consistent and safe blood collection. While prior research has established the importance of standardized procedures, uncertainty remains about how to implement these effectively across regions. This gap motivated the creation of a unified set of guidelines. No prior work had resolved the need for a joint European and Latin American recommendation. Existing knowledge does not address all aspects of venous blood sampling. This paper contributes by offering a structured approach to blood collection. It fills a critical need for harmonized practices in clinical settings. The document aims to bridge the gap between evidence and real-world application.

The main aim of this work is to provide a unified set of guidelines for venous blood sampling. It addresses the need for consistent and safe procedures across Europe and Latin America. The study focuses on the preanalytical phase of blood collection. It does not cover open needle or catheter-based methods. The target audience includes healthcare workers directly involved in blood collection. The goal is to improve patient and worker safety. The authors aim to overcome barriers to widespread implementation. This work supports the adoption of best practices in clinical laboratories.

The authors developed a joint recommendation through collaboration between two working groups. They used a closed blood collection system as the basis for their guidance. The process involved face-to-face meetings with stakeholders from both regions. Each step was graded based on evidence quality and recommendation strength. A first draft was circulated for public consultation among EFLM members. Feedback was also sought from the WG-PRE-LATAM group. The revised version was submitted for voting by all EFLM and COLABIOCLI members. The final document was officially endorsed by a majority of participants.

The recommendation includes four main sections: pre-sampling, sampling, post-sampling, and implementation. It provides practical guidance for each phase of the blood collection process. The document was endorsed by 33 out of 40 EFLM members and all 21 COLABIOCLI members. The grading system ensured transparency in the strength of each recommendation. The process involved multiple rounds of consultation and revision. The final version reflects the best available evidence. It does not address patient consent or sample transport. The authors emphasize the importance of a closed blood collection system.

The authors propose that the recommendation improves the quality of blood collection practices. They suggest that it enhances safety for both patients and healthcare workers. The document supports the adoption of standardized procedures in clinical settings. The authors encourage professionals in Europe and Latin America to implement the guidelines. The recommendation does not cover open needle or catheter-based methods. It focuses on the use of a closed blood collection system. The process of grading and consultation ensured a high level of consensus. The authors believe the guidelines will help overcome existing barriers to implementation.