PKU to glove or not to glove?..

smwife · #11 (**permalink**) 24-Apr-2008, 17:54

Originally Posted by tracyb

I always wear gloves, no matter what, I get looked at funny, and will refuse if the comm' mw I'm working with has no spare gloves, they do not have to be sterile, as its not a sterile procedure it is as clean as possible really isn't it??
Just interested do the midwives wipe the 1st spot of blood away 1st??
We do the test on day 5 now, I thought that was nationwide too x

First spot away? some midwives I have seen do this, most not!

midwifemissy · #12 (**permalink**) 24-Apr-2008, 17:56

My mentor told me that is was done becasue the first spot could be contaminated. It was how they were told it had to be done.

Sarahbs · #13 (**permalink**) 24-Apr-2008, 18:00

I might do some gentle questioning about it tonight, on nights...

I will ask about gloves, and the first spot...

smwife · #14 (**permalink**) 24-Apr-2008, 18:02

Originally Posted by midwifemissy

My mentor told me that is was done becasue the first spot could be contaminated. It was how they were told it had to be done.

Told by one, then with all the others no! I did it anyway as it is the correct way, but it is really tough doing this as you come across as a smartypants a bit!

(doesn't it give instructions on the back? I can't remember?)

midwifemissy · #15 (**permalink**) 24-Apr-2008, 18:08

I don't know smwife, I haven't done one yet, only watched as my mentor has done them.

smwife · #16 (**permalink**) 24-Apr-2008, 18:15

Originally Posted by midwifemissy

I don't know smwife, I haven't done one yet, only watched as my mentor has done them.

Awww, MM?! That's not right! You should've been allowed to do them!

Do you get to go back to community?

Aww, that's made me cross!

midwifemissy · #17 (**permalink**) 24-Apr-2008, 18:16

Not until 2nd or 3rd year, can't quite remember when lol.

I have done blood sugar checks on babies when I was on post natal though so almost the same.

Sarahbs · #18 (**permalink**) 24-Apr-2008, 18:17

Well my mentor has said if i can provide evidence that I have researched them I am allowed to do a few eeeek. Hence why im asking on here.

camilan · #19 (**permalink**) 24-Apr-2008, 18:49

Oooooo PKU! My mentor told me today that i have seen the last one before i have a go

but then i have had 4 different mentors so maynot get this one again til the week after next!
I haven't seen any gloves used and the first spot it always used.

sassy · #20 (**permalink**) 24-Apr-2008, 19:25

I've never worn gloves to do the blood spot test. I know I should, but I feel all thumbs in them.

The NHS guidelines 2008 say to don gloves, wipe babes foot with plain water or alcohol wipe, but no mention of wiping away first blood spot.

http://www.gosh.nhs.uk/newborn/downl...site010208.pdf