Virginia law specifies who is authorized to withdraw blood samples for alcohol or drug testing, including physicians, nurses, and trained technicians. It mandates proper sterilization procedures and prohibits reusing single-use needles or syringes, classifying such reuse as a misdemeanor. The law also limits civil liability for authorized personnel if they follow recognized medical procedures, but they can still be held liable for negligence.
Authorized personnel include physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, phlebotomists, laboratory technicians, and court-designated technicians or nurses following specific guidelines.
Yes, instruments must be sterilized using accepted steam sterilizers or other sterilizers that do not affect test accuracy, and disposable syringes must be used only once.
No civil liability attaches if blood is withdrawn according to recognized medical procedures, but liability for negligence remains.
No, individuals arrested for certain violations are not required to sign a waiver or release of liability before blood is drawn.