I was wondering, has anyone (other than me) used tea bags to assist with hemostasis? When I 1st started working in ICU in the late 1980's the "older" nurses taught me this trick. I have no idea the reasoning behind it or any history. I have met a medic who served in vietnam and another nurse who have also used tea bags to help with clotting. The problem is now I need some proof or scientific research or reasoning to prove my point. I would like to do a research study but lit searches aren't very helpful. Does anyone have any input? Please help!!! Thanks!
Stephanie Cornett
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tea bags and hemostasis
Started by steph7cdc, Nov 28 2006 01:15 PM
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#2
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Posted 30 November 2006 - 02:15 PM
Well, I would hesitate to use a tea bag on a freshly removed cetral line or IV site, since there is no way to be certain of the teabags sterility. Sounds like an infection waiting to happen. It may be that it works great, but really now, doesn't five to ten minutes of direct pressure with a STERILE 4x4 work just as well?
#3
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Posted 30 November 2006 - 02:33 PM
QUOTE(cardiacmarty @ Nov 30 2006, 02:15 PM) 
Well, I would hesitate to use a tea bag on a freshly removed cetral line or IV site, since there is no way to be certain of the teabags sterility. Sounds like an infection waiting to happen. It may be that it works great, but really now, doesn't five to ten minutes of direct pressure with a STERILE 4x4 work just as well?
Whoever thought using leaches or maggots would be beneficial and not lead to infection but actually help with wound healing? If someone's coags are off and they don't stop bleeding after 20-30 minutes (or even slow down) then you sometimes need help. Maybe the line should have been left in but maybe the patient is septic and it has to come out.
I have talked to quite a few people who have used tea bags for bleeding(one guy was a medic in Vietnam). Some of our best trauma medicine came from experiences in vietnam. No seems to know where the idea originated from and why it works.
If I'm doing a study of course I'm going to sterilize the tea bag. If you can't be helpful don't bother to respond.
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