Table of Contents
What veins are best for drawing blood?
For adult patients, the most common and first choice is the median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa. Commonly referred to as the antecubital or the AC it can be found in the crevice of the elbow between the median cephalic and the median basilic vein.
Which veins should not be used for venipuncture?
The cephalic and basilic veins have a greater tendency to roll and veinpuncture may be more painful from these sites. Sometimes venipuncture is performed on hand veins when the veins in the antecubital fossa are not appropriate.
What veins should you avoid?
What Areas Should You Avoid Drawing From? While hand veins may be utilized for blood draws and intravenous infusions, veins in the feet and legs should be avoided for adults. Drawing from these sites can cause blood clotting and hemostasis.
Is blood drawn from superficial veins?
Blood is most commonly obtained from the superficial veins of the upper limb.
Which veins are best for IV?
Median antecubital, cephalic and basilic veins are easy to hit and tend to last quite well if splinted properly. These veins are the preferred sites for insertion of percutaneous central venous catheters.
Why is tapping of the vein not recommended?
Light tapping of the vein may be useful but can be painful and may result in the formation of haematoma in patients with fragile veins (Dougherty, 1999). ‘Smacking’ the vessels may cause histamine release.
How do you choose an appropriate vein for venipuncture?
VENIPUNCTURE SITE SELECTION: Although the larger and fuller median cubital and cephalic veins of the arm are used most frequently, the basilic vein on the dorsum of the arm or dorsal hand veins are also acceptable for venipuncture. Foot veins are a last resort because of the higher probability of complications.
Why veins are not found for blood test?
Your veins contain much of the fluids in your body, so if you haven’t had much to drink the day of your draw, those little fluid filled vessels will not be as easy to access and are more likely to collapse flat when a needle is inserted.
Why can’t they find a vein to draw blood?
As a result of normal physiological variation, some individuals may have small, thin, or hard-to-find veins, making it a challenge for even an experienced medical lab technician to draw blood. This can sometimes be a result of dehydration, which causes the body to constrict its blood vessels.
What happens if you draw blood from an artery instead of a vein?
Arterial injection occurs when the individual hits an artery, not a vein. Hitting an artery can be painful and dangerous. Arterial blood travels away from the heart so whatever is injected goes straight to body limbs and extremities. Injection particles get stuck in blood capillaries and cut off circulation.
What are the 3 veins used for venipuncture?
The most site for venipuncture is the antecubital fossa located in the anterior elbow at the fold. This area houses three veins: the cephalic, median cubital, and basilic veins (Figure 1).
How far does the needle go in for a blood draw?
When you insert the needle into the vein, a blood flashback will be visible in the tubing, making it easier to recognize that you’ve accessed the vein. A straight multisample needle is typically 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) in length and the gauge ranges from 20 to 22.
What should you not do before a blood test?
Why do I need to fast before my blood test? If your health care provider has told you to fast before a blood test, it means you should not eat or drink anything, except water, for several hours before your test. When you eat and drink normally, those foods and beverages are absorbed into your bloodstream.
How do I gain confidence in phlebotomy?
How to Develop Confidence as a Phlebotomist Know your stuff – The best way to develop confidence as a phlebotomist is to have a complete understanding of your field and the processes you will be required to perform. Work on your personal skills – Practice makes perfect –.
How long does it take to hydrate for a blood draw?
Before Your Blood Test Fasting for a blood test entails avoiding all food and beverages (except for water) for 8 to 12 hours prior to the test. Drink plenty of water and take your medications as usual.
Where should you not put an IV?
“Avoid inserting the IV catheter close to a flexible joint where it may bend. A bent or kinked catheter can be a source of complications. The veins in the antecubital are often easy accessible and also big, but note that this is an often bent joint with high risk to kink the catheter,” Pernilla says.
What two antecubital veins should be used for venipuncture?
Venipuncture. The median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa is the most commonly used site due to its accessibility and size, followed by the neighboring cephalic and basilic veins [13,49,51,52].
How could you encourage a vein to the surface?
Use gravity Slowly making a fist or squeezing a ball and releasing it over and over will also increase blood flow to the area. Swing the arm around several times like a windmill. Centrifugal force ensures blood will enter the arm, dilating the vein, and have a harder time leaving.
Why do they tap your arm before taking blood?
The person who draws your blood might tie a band around the upper part of your arm or ask you to make a fist. Doing this can make the veins in your arm stick out more, which makes it easier to insert the needle. The needle that goes into your vein is attached to a small test tube.
Why do doctors tap veins?
A butterfly needle also allows a doctor to give IV medications. These medications can be “pushed” through a syringe. Getting them through a vein is helpful when you can’t take medications by mouth or you need the medications to work quickly.
Are engorged veins suitable for venipuncture?
A suitable vein for venipuncture feels soft, elastic, and b. engorged. c.
