Standard Needles Beat Butterfly in Cost, Match in Quality
- Reducing the use of butterfly needles
- Assessing when it’s sufficient to use a standard needle
- Allowing phlebotomists to self-monitor
What can your team do to use your resources more efficiently? What else could your team do to reduce waste?
Needles are a top cost expenditure for labs, especially when phlebotomists opt for the “butterfly” style over standard needles. The cost differential is nearly a dollar, but the data does not show there is an increase in the quality of care when using the more expensive butterfly needle. Phlebotomists at a Vancouver, Washington, lab began using more standard needles depending on the patient. They didn’t track per needle costs, but found they reduced overall spending on needles by opting for standard over butterfly when appropriate.
By using less expensive standard needles instead of butterfly needles, phlebotomists in your lab can reduce overall spending and deliver the same quality of care to your patients.
Using standard needles instead of butterfly needles can save money and deliver quality care.
amount saved by using more standard needles in one year