Safe Tourniquet Disposal: Preventing Infection & Ensuring Patient Safety

A tourniquet is used to temporarily constrict a vein or artery. Tourniquets provide a variety of uses, especially in the drawing of blood. Proper disposal of tourniquets are essential to prevent the spread of disease.

Soilage

• As stated by the Center for Phlebotomy Education Inc., any tourniquet that is soiled with blood should be discarded. Using a tourniquet that is soiled can spread infections to other patients.

Hand Hygiene

• Improper hygiene techniques require tourniquet removal.

  If you touched a tourniquet without first washing your hands, the tourniquet should be discarded. Not washing your hands between patients can cause cross contamination via the tourniquet.

Damage

• If the tourniquet is visibly damaged, it should be thrown out. Tourniquets that have tears or are overly stretched can cause possible harm to a patient when used.