While skin antisepsis and disinfection of environmental surfaces are important, the most effective means of reducing the risk of infection during venipuncture is actually handwashing because contact with dirty hands is the mode by which infections are most easily passed from one person to another. The phlebotomist should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub before beginning the venipuncture (and before applying gloves) and should again wash their hands when the procedure is completed.

Warming of the injection site does not significantly affect the levels of routinely tested analytes. Warming is preferred for heelstick procedures in infants because warming increases blood flow. Warming is required for collection of blood gas or capillary pH specimens, and may be required before fingersticks in patients with cold hands.

If a laboratory detects a suspected outbreak of an infectious disease, such as E. coli infections, the laboratory should report this to their local or state health department. The health department will investigate and then report their findings to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS). The CDC may take action depending on the information reported through NORS and their own investigations. The CDC maintains the Global Health Center, the goal of which is to protect the health and safety of Americans by tracking disease outbreaks and ensuring efforts to reduce disease incidence worldwide. The CDC monitors outbreaks throughout the world, takes measures to prevent spread, and provides technical assistance to public health organizations worldwide, often in conjunction with the World Health Organization.

If a physician has ordered venipuncture for blood C&S (culture and sensitivity), CBC (complete blood count), and BMP (basic metabolic panel) for an adult patient, the correct order of draw is:
1. C&S, so that the specimen remains sterile and not contaminated by additives
2. BMP, which can be performed on plasma or serum
3. CBC, which requires whole blood for testing

The proper technique for anchoring the vein before venipuncture is known as the L hold technique. It involves using the fingers to support the back of the patient's arm below the elbow and placing the thumb 1 to 2 inches below and slightly to the side of the venipuncture site to pull the patients skin toward the wrist. The C hold technique, or the two-finger technique, should not be used because it may result in the needle springing back into the phlebotomist's index finger if the patient pulls his or her arm back Pushing down on the needle during insertion is painful and may increase the risk of blood leakage. Advancing the needle too slowly may prolong the patients discomfort.