How long should one wait before contacting a supervisor if the bleeding does not stop?

In the context of phlebotomy and patient care, it is critical to monitor a patient's bleeding closely after a procedure such as venipuncture. After applying pressure to the site post-procedure, if bleeding does not stop, waiting for a specific time frame before escalating the situation to a supervisor is essential for both patient safety and proper protocol adherence.

The best practice for monitoring the bleeding typically involves a 10-minute observation period. This duration allows sufficient time for normal hemostasis to occur in most cases while ensuring that if there are complications or ongoing bleeding issues, they can be addressed appropriately without causing unnecessary delays in care. Waiting for ten minutes provides a balance between giving the body enough time to stop the bleeding and ensuring timely intervention if needed.

Longer waits, such as 15 or 20 minutes, could lead to risks for the patient, such as undue blood loss, while a shorter wait like 5 minutes may not provide enough time to assess whether the bleeding is indeed resolvable on its own. Hence, the 10-minute mark is regarded as a standard practice before seeking further assistance from a supervisor in situations where bleeding persists.