Final answer:
A phlebotomist should hold pressure on an arterial puncture site for a minimum of 5 minutes, potentially longer for patients on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders. This practice ensures hemostasis and prevents complications like hematoma and bruising.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum amount of time a phlebotomist should hold pressure on an arterial puncture site is typically about 5 minutes. However, if the patient is on blood thinners or has a bleeding disorder, pressure may need to be applied for a longer period. Following an arterial puncture, which is a procedure used to collect blood for diagnostic testing, it is crucial to apply firm pressure to the site to ensure hemostasis and prevent a hematoma. The pressure helps to seal the small hole in the artery that was created during the puncture.
Since the arterial system is a high-pressure system, compared to veins, adequate time is required to ensure that the puncture site has completely sealed and that bleeding has ceased before the puncture site is left unsupervised. Placing pressure on the puncture site also aids in minimizing the risk of bruising and decreasing the likelihood of complications. It's important that phlebotomists are trained in proper post-puncture care and are able to assess the patient's individual needs based on their medical history and current medications.