Table of Contents
To get blood drawn, you’ll sit in a chair or lie down. The person who takes the blood will ask you to make a fist with your hand. Then they’ll tie a band, called a tourniquet, around your upper arm. This makes your veins pop out a little more, which will make it easier to insert the needle in the right place.
Is it okay to draw blood from the hand?
Only use the top of a hand for puncture. Veins on the palmar surface of the wrist, the fingers, and the lateral wrist above the thumb to the mid-forearm must not be used according to the 2017 CLSI standards. This will prevent the inadvertent puncture of hidden arteries, tendons, or nerves in the area.
Is it OK to draw blood from the wrist?
Blood is usually drawn from an artery in the wrist. It may also be drawn from an artery on the inside of the elbow, groin, or other site. If blood is drawn from the wrist, the health care provider will usually first check the pulse.
Where else can you draw blood from?
The cephalic vein is a safe secondary option if the median cubital vein is not working. This vein can be found along the upper arm to the thumb, but it is commonly drawn from the forearm or antecubital fossa area. Also found in the antecubital fossa, the basilic vein serves as a last resort for blood draws.
Why can’t you draw blood from your arm?
If you have been to a clinic or lab before and had the phlebotomist stick you more than once for a blood draw, you may have been told that you are a “difficult stick.” This can happen to people for quite a few different reasons, including small or deep veins, rolling veins, dehydration, collapsing veins, constricted Sep 6, 2016.
Can blood be drawn from forearm?
Learn more about the typical anatomy of the arm and hand when it comes to veins. For example, many people who perform blood draws will do so in the antecubital area of the arm (inner part of the forearm) where there are several large veins.
How do you extract blood from yourself?
Collecting Wash and dry your hands. Position the lancet on your fingertip, pressing down until it clicks. Squeeze the finger until you have a good drop of blood. Hold the clamshell upside down and touch the tip of the little pipette to the blood. Wipe off the blood with the gauze and apply the bandage.
Why is blood sample taken from vein?
Veins are favored over arteries because they have thinner walls, and thus they are easier to pierce. There is also lower blood pressure in veins so that bleeding can be stopped more quickly and easily than with arterial puncture.
Why is there a lump where I got blood drawn?
Another rare complication is for a small clot (or thrombus) to form in the vein at the site where the needle was inserted. This is noticeable as a small firm lump just under the skin. The lump may or may not be tender and will go away over a couple of weeks.
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.
Can you draw blood from a tendon?
According to the CLSI standards, veins to the front of the wrist (palm side) or lateral wrists (thumb side) must not be used for venipuncture due the presence of nerves and tendons close to the surface. Drawing from veins in sites other than these may subject patients to injury to nerves, arteries, tendon and bone.
Where can you take blood besides ARM?
Explore the Possibilities! Vein Location Reason for Choice Cephalic Thumb side of antecubital fossa Ease of access; few nerves and tendons in area Basilic Body side of antecubital fossa More difficult to access; proximity of artery, nerves and tendons. Use this vein only as the final alternative.
Why can’t I get blood from my finger?
If you typically have issues getting a blood drop to form, running your hands under warm water as you wash them or massaging your finger can help with blood flow. Tip: Using alcohol wipes can dry your skin, potentially making it hard to get a blood drop.
How can I not be scared of blood drawn?
Taking slow, deep breaths while having your blood drawn may help calm your nerves and relax your body overall. Try inhaling slowly to the count of four, and then exhaling for the same amount of time. Focus on keeping your breathing even and steady the entire time.
How do you draw blood without a needle?
The PIVO, a single-use, Class II device cleared by the FDA, draws blood through a peripheral IV line already inserted into the patient. Once attached to the IV catheter, a plunger is drawn back, pulling blood into a vacuum tube or syringe.
Can you draw blood from the neck?
The jugular vein runs along the whole length of the neck; however, the easiest place to take blood from is about 6 to 8 inches down from the throat latch area. Drawing blood requires a lot of practice, and you should be assisted by a veterinarian prior to attempting it on your own.
What is the best site 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).
Which vein is the first choice for drawing blood?
The median cubital vein is the first choice for blood draws because it has a decreased proximity to arteries and nerves in the arm. The more lateral cephalic vein is the second choice and the basilic vein in the medial arm is the last choice.
What is the best way to draw blood?
Grab the patient’s lower arm (below site of puncture) firmly to draw the skin taut and anchor the vein from rolling. Insert the needle at a 15 to 30-degree angle into the vessel. If properly inserted, blood should flash into the catheter.
