Question

Why should a phleb avoid drawing blood from the leg or foot of a diabetic patient?

a) veins in this area are smaller
b) these areas are more susceptible to infection
c) blood draws from the area are more likely to cause petechiae
d) the volume for the draw in this area is too low for testing

Answer 1

Phlebotomists avoid drawing blood from the legs or feet of diabetic patients due to increased susceptibility to infection and potential complications like poor healing and risk of amputation.

Step-by-step explanation:

A phlebotomist should avoid drawing blood from the leg or foot of a diabetic patient mainly because these areas are more susceptible to infection. Diabetic patients often suffer from blood vessel damage due to persistently high glucose levels, which impairs circulation and can lead to neuropathy. This compromised circulation makes the feet and legs particularly prone to infections and delayed healing. Moreover, the risk of tissue damage, including tissue death (necrosis), is significantly higher in these areas which can lead to serious complications such as amputations. Therefore, phlebotomists typically perform a venipuncture in the arm to reduce these risks.