The syringe and needle combination should be the last equipment option that is considered; it is not as safe a choice as the self-contained blood collection systems because it involves more manipulation. However, the phlebotomist may choose to use a syringe to prevent vein collapse if the phlebotomist thinks that the vein is too fragile to withstand the pressure exerted by the vacuum as it pulls blood into the collection tube.
Transferring samples to blood culture bottles after syringe collection has always been an unsafe practice until the advent of the safety transfer devices. These safety devices prevent the dangerous transfer procedure reducing the chance of needle-stick to the healthcare worker while maintaining the specimen integrity. During blood transfer, do not manually push the plunger as this may cause hemolysis of the specimen.
