Once you have found it, take care in anchoring the vein to prevent rolling when you insert the needle to draw blood. Label appropriate tubes at the bedside and place them into transport bags. Use for phrases Use a vein-finder device if a suitable vein is not readily seen or palpated. Ask the patient to apply pressure for at least 2 minutes. This is often the only vein that can be felt in patients who are obese. Risks associated with using this vein include penetration of 14. Instruct patients to look away from the equipment and the procedure to help prevent a vasovagal episode. minutes and then reapplied before performing the venipuncture. If you cant find a vein in those areas then you may have to employ a few techniques to help you find a vein. ACNP- American College of Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Practice Nurses of the Permian Basin, Best Online Master's in Nursing (MSN) Programs for 2023, Medical Billing and Coding Salary Overview, Top Accelerated Nurse Practitioner Programs, Improve knowledge and awareness of the risks associated with phlebotomy among all health workers involved in the practice, Increase safe practices and reduce blood borne virus exposure and transmission, Availability of appropriate supplies and protective equipment, Availability of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), Avoidance of contaminated phlebotomy equipment, Recapping and disassembling vacuum-containing tubes and holders, Reusing tourniquets and vacuum-tube holders that may be contaminated with bacteria and sometimes blood, Working alone with confused or disoriented patients who may move unexpectedly, contributing to needle-sticks. Please confirm that you are a health care professional. Why Veins Get Sore After Having Blood Drawn, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights, Phlebotomy Essentials; Ruth E. McCall; 2003, Handbook of Phlebotomy and Patient Service Techniques; Garland E. Pendergraph; 1998. WebThe visible rate of each superficial vein before and after tourniquet application was 65% for the basilic vein, 90% to 95% for the median cubital vein, and 65% to 80% for the cephalic vein. 13. 7. Learn more about the MSD Manuals and our commitment to. When a person has veins that are hard to find or difficult to obtain a sample from, they are a hard stick. If an arterial puncture is suspected, as indicated by a bright red, quick, pulsing flow, with or without rapid development of a hematoma, the needle, should be removed immediately. Caution must be taken to avoid arterial puncture. It is the best because its larger and rolls or moves less than other veins. Veins in the foot and ankle should be utilized only as a last resort. If no flash appears in the hub after 1 to 2 cm of insertion, withdraw the needle slowly. Most patients needs for IV fluid and drugs can be met with a percutaneous peripheral venous catheter. The median cubital creates less bruising and pain than other draw sites. Needles and hubs are single use and are disposed of in an appropriate sharps container as one unit. Reviewer: After assembling the appropriate equipment, follow the next steps to perform a proper venipuncture. In the above situations, use another site (eg, the opposite arm) for venipuncture. To find it, assess the site next to the median cubital area on the thump side of your arm. This order of draw should be followed whenever multiple tubes are drawn during a single venipuncture. If a suitable vein is difficult to locate, try lowering the extremity and/or applying warm compresses or nitroglycerin ointment to help dilate veins. They are also a bit larger and have a thicker lumen resulting in a faster blood flow. The WHO has best practices that are key to preventing infection and being successful during blood draws. In many patients, venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing and administering fluid and intravenous drugs. Learn more about the MSD Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. It is large and near the skins surface, making it easier for phlebotomists to see before anchoring the vein. The antecubital fossa is the area of the arm near the elbow. It is usually there for the picking. The three most commonly used veins for drawing blood are the median cubital, the cephalic, and the basilic veins. These superficial veins lie within the subcutaneous tissue. Do a preliminary inspection (nonsterile) to identify a suitable vein: Apply a tourniquet, have the patient make a fist, and palpate using your index finger to locate a large-diameter vein that is nonmobile and has good turgor. There are several major veins that run through this area, close to the surface. } Red Top (serum): Plain and gel. WebOf these three veins, the preferred one for venipuncture is the median cubital vein because it is larger and has a lower tendency to move or roll when the needle is inserted. Place a sheathed needle or butterfly on the syringe. D. Holding the needle in line with the vein, use a quick, small thrust to penetrate the skin and enter the vein in one smooth motion. There are several causes for hard-to-find veins. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Last reviewed: November 23, 2022 The median cubital vein is not critical to life, but it does help facilitate venous return from the arms back to the pulmonary system. C. Pull the skin tight with your thumb or index finger just below the puncture site. Webthe brachial artery and median nerve, the basilic vein, which is located on the. We've looked at programs nationwide and determined these are our top schools. The wrist is a last resort for drawing blood. 2. Most of the samples you draw will either be drawn from the cephalic or median cubital vein. Deliver blood specimens to the laboratory promptly. 6. In order to draw blood for a blood test a needle has to be inserted into a vein. Tubes must be positively identified after filling with a firmly attached patient label. When using a syringe, pull back on the plunger gently to avoid damaging the blood cells or collapsing the vein. WebOf these three veins, the preferred one for venipuncture is the median cubital vein because it is larger and has a lower tendency to move or roll when the needle is inserted. Median cubital vein (Vena mediana cubiti) -Yousun Koh. The cephalic vein is found on the lateral, or outside, of the arm. The first step is to discuss with the patient what you will be doing and why as well as gather all the needed supplies. It is no longer recommended to flex the elbow after antecubital venipuncture; this actually increases hematoma formation. 6. Leg veins (eg, dorsal digital veins and the greater saphenous vein inferoanterior to the medial malleolus) or external jugular veins may be used if upper extremity veins are inaccessible. Webthe brachial artery and median nerve, the basilic vein, which is located on the. Phlebotomists are specially trained in this technique and are able to procure blood from several different veins in the body. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Edwin Ocran MBChB, MSc It is usually straight and found around the center of the antecubital fossa. Grounded on academic literature and research, validated by experts, and trusted by more than 2 million users. massaging, flicking, squeezing or probing the site, long-term IV therapy, Preventing injury to a nerve, tendon, or muscle: Use careful palpitation, and appropriate angle of entry. Wipe off povidone-iodine with alcohol and allow the alcohol to dry. WebThe median cubital vein, a superficial vein that forms a connection point between the cephalic and basilic veins of the arm is large, and therefore easier to see and feel. The basilic vein basically runs from the palm of the hand and up your arm on the side of the ulna. They form anastomoses with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the upper limb via perforating veins. While it is important to know the best veins to access its also important to know which areas to avoid. Pediatric Pointers. Center for Phlebotomy Education, Inc. Ernst, Dennis J. and Catherine Ernst. When bleeding stops, apply a fresh bandage, gauze or tape. Well-fitting gloves make palpation of the vein easier. Apply the, tourniquet 3-4 inches above the selected puncture site. There are also fewer nerve endings surrounding this vein making venipuncture less painful at Ensure that the collection tube is completely pushed onto the back of the needle in the hub. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Apply a tourniquet approximately 3-4 inches above the selected site. Refer to the specific test in the online directory for handling and storage requirements. 2019 www.azcentral.com. [3] Used primarily for hematology and blood bank testing. Increase in ratio of blood components to plasma. Phlebotomy teams generally only make rounds at specific times in hospital settings, therefore, if a lab test is ordered immediately it could be the responsibility of the nursing staff to draw the specimen. It can be done by palpating the vessel or via transillumination with a special light. Perform good hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE. When that happens it can be difficult to locate veins. If using a needle, and syringe, avoid drawing the plunger back too forcefully. Risks associated with using this vein include penetration of WebWhy do we use the median cubital vein? arm vein. Apply gentle traction to the vein distally using the thumb of your nondominant hand to prevent the vein from moving. Read more. Gently invert tubes containing an additive 5-8 times. 11. Nursing Personnel. Risks associated with using this vein include penetration of It is usually easy to find as its near the surface of the skin and is usually larger than the basilic vein. 2. Clinical Significance. (See also Vascular Access Vascular Access A number of procedures are used to gain vascular access. The following order of draw is the approved order as established by CLSI. Sometimes, nurses or a doctor may go there but those are rare instances. 12. HealthStar Press, Inc. 2001, updated 1/08. For children, swab the site 3 times using only alcohol. WebWhy do we use the median cubital vein? WebSelect the appropriate vein for venipuncture. After identifying a suitable cannulation site, remove the tourniquet. Increase in ratio of blood components to plasma. Observe all applicable isolation procedures. Do not have the patient bend his/her arm; this may cause the. 9. Place a gauze pad over the puncture site and remove the needle. Scarred areas. There are about three main areas for drawing blood: the median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins. Tourniquets. To access the external jugular vein, place the patient in Trendelenburg position with the head tilted slightly contralaterally. A Supervisor or Manager should be notified and the incident. Register now Wash hands in warm, running water with a appropriate hand washing product. Do not attempt a venipuncture more than twice. WebVenipuncture (sometimes referred to as venapuncture, venepuncture or even venu puncture) is the collection of blood from a vein which is usually done for laboratory testing. ), Need for a venous blood sample for laboratory study, Infection or hematoma at a prospective venipuncture site, Intravenous catheter distal to a prospective venipuncture site (may affect laboratory results if IV fluids or drugs are infusing distal to the venipuncture site), Arteriovenous graft or fistula Arteriovenous Fistula An arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal communication between an artery and a vein. Learning the anatomy of the main veins and arteries in the body is essential to becoming competent in phlebotomy. 1. Knowing the anatomy of the arm will help you in locating and identifying the median cubital vein. The basilic vein is the last choice for venipuncture. The significance of this vein is its use in venipuncture, the procedure that collects blood for laboratory testing. Do not dry the site with gauze and do not blow on the area to dry as this, will contaminate the site. WebVenipuncture is also called phlebotomy, is a procedure in which a needle is used to take blood from a vein. Looking for a change beyond the bedside? If a flash still does not appear, withdraw the needle almost to the skin surface, change direction, and try again to advance the needle into the vein. Observe universal (standard) safety precautions. That makes them more visible and easier to locate and feel for venipuncture. Recheck the site after a few minutes to verify the absence of hemorrhage/hematoma. All labels must include two identifiers . A lab coat or gown must be worn during blood collection procedures. Gray Top (plasma): Contains sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate. Make sure the, venipuncture site is dry. Cleanse the skin site with antiseptic solution, beginning at the needle-insertion site and making several outwardly expanding circles. WebThe best vein for drawing blood is the median cubital vein. Some patients are easier than others because of the prominence of their veins. Gray's Anatomy (41tst ed.). Nursing schools do not teach this skill due to legality issues. E. Holding the hub securely, insert the first vacutainer tube following proper order of draw into the large end of the hub penetrating the stopper. All other items used for the procedure must be disposed of according to proper biohazardous waste disposal policy. Apply a band-aid or CoFlex to, the site. There is no easy way to draw blood. Get instant access to this gallery, plus: Introduction to the musculoskeletal system, Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomen, Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the pelvis, Infratemporal region and pterygopalatine fossa, Meninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space. When bleeding stops, apply a fresh bandage, gauze or tape. She attended New York University and her writing has appeared on various online publications. If blind percutaneous placement read more . The Supervisor should be called to assess the patient. I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half. Antecubital fossa. & Gray, H. (2015). Use only mild tension when applying the tourniquet; it is a venous, not an arterial, tourniquet. Skin-cleansing materials: Alcohol, chlorhexidine, or povidone-iodine swabs or wipes, Nonsterile gloves (sterile gloves if blood cultures are being obtained), Needle system (eg, needle and syringe, or needle and vacuum tube, typically 21-gauge needles for adults; 22- or 23-gauge for neonates, small children, and sometimes older patients), Blood-collection tubes and blood-culture bottles, as appropriate, Dressing materials (eg, tape, gauze, bandages), Vein-finder device (eg, infrared vein viewer, ultrasonography device), Topical anesthetic (standard for children): Needle-free lidocaine gas-injector, lidocaine-epinephrine-tetracaine mixture, or lidocaine-prilocaine cream. The significance of this vein is its use in venipuncture, the procedure that collects blood for laboratory testing. False Veins of the legs, feet, and ankles cannot be used without specific permission from a physician. Clean the puncture site by making a smooth circular pass over the site with the 70%alcohol pad, moving in an outward spiral from the zone of penetration. Also, It will be more easily felt in some individuals depending on the amount of muscle and fat tissue the person have. I. Best practices in phlebotomy involve the following factors: *This website is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. Knowing the location of each vein, go to the respective area to find it. Verify that any diet or time restrictions have been met. Through a combination of revolutionary treatments and extraordinary patient experiences, our care does more than heal. arm vein. 9. The median cubital vein connects the cephalic and basilic veins, which are the two major superficial veins of the upper limb. Tubes with different additives are used for collecting blood specimens for specific types of tests. 13. WebThe median cubital and cephalic veins are preferred for blood sampling, but other arm and hand veins may be used. The WHO has set forth the following standards of patient care for hospitals to adhere by: They also identify dangerous and unsafe practices for blood draws including, >> Related: Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs) Explained. Test your knowledge on the main veins of the upper limb in this quiz. Secure patient to Papoose apparatus for stabilization if child is unable to sit upright on their own. Abnormal caving in of the vessel walls, stopping blood flow. Sharps Disposal Container. Northfield, IL: College of American, NCCLS. Draw the desired amount of blood by pulling back slowly on the syringe stopper. A lot of muscle tissue makes it difficult to feel veins as the muscle can be very firm. 3. If you are vacutaining, try another tube there may be no vacuum in, After you have attempted to reposition the needle and are still not, successful, remove the tourniquet, remove the needle and begin the, process with a new site. Position the patient with the arm extended to form a straight-line form shoulder to wrist. WebThe median cubital and cephalic veins are preferred for blood sampling, but other arm and hand veins may be used. UF Health Pathology Laboratories Nontuberculosis Mycobacteria Laboratory, This page uses Google Analytics (Google Privacy Policy). Reapply the tourniquet proximal to the selected insertion site. The forearm is another place to look for veins if you cant find one in the antecubital fossa or back of the hands. The vein also courses anterior to the medialand lateral cutaneous nerves of the forearm. The median cubital vein is not critical to life, but it does help facilitate venous return from the arms back to the pulmonary system. Of these, the median cubital vein is usually the vein of choice for phlebotomy: It is typically more stable (less likely to roll), it lies more superficially, and the skin overlying it is less sensitive than the skin overlying the other veins. Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver. The tube must be labeled before leaving the patient. Reasons for concern would include numbness, tingling, change of color to blue or white, and extreme pain. Veins in the foot and ankle should be utilized only as a last resort. Palpate with your gloved finger to locate the middle of the target vein. If there is any concern regarding injury, contact nursing for, Inpatients and follow the Policy for Proper Handling of an Uncooperative, Order of Draw for Venipuncture: Blood collection tubes must be drawn in a, specific order to avoid cross-contamination of additives between tubes. Without proper specimens, unhelpful or even harmful medical treatment could happen. Edematous extremities tissue fluid accumulation can alter test results. If no patient labels are available, manually label the tubes with the required information. And, on some others it will be deeper in their arm. The cephalic vein is located on the lateral (radial) side of the arm, and the basilic vein is located on the medial (ulnar) side. Assemble the necessary equipment appropriate to the patients physical characteristics. Deep veins. Students should study venipuncture in books and watch licensed nurses in clinical settings perform this task. It brings the entire family If there is not an alternate vein to draw. Due to its close proximity to, the brachial artery and median nerve, the basilic vein, which is located on the, pinkie side of the arm, should be used only if there is not another more prominent. Proper safety standards to avoid a needle stick, standards for quality care for patients and health workers, including, availability of appropriate supplies and protective equipment, availability of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), avoidance of contaminated phlebotomy equipment. In many patients, venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing and administering fluid and intravenous drugs. For adult patients, the most common and first choice is the median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa. Specimens should not be obtained from the arm on the same side as a mastectomy. The venipuncture should be repeated in a, different site. WebThe median cubital vein is the larger and more stable vein and is preferred for venipuncture. The median cubital vein connects the cephalic and basilic veins, which are the two major superficial veins of the upper limb. 5. They form anastomoses with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the upper limb via perforating veins. These tubes are used for coagulation tests and need to be completely filled to ensure the proper ratio of blood to anticoagulant. Support the supinated forearm (or other chosen site) on a comfortable surface. Ask the patient to apply pressure to the gauze for at least 2 minutes. arm vein. After identifying the site for the blood draw, gather the appropriate supplies needed. WebThe median cubital vein is the larger and more stable vein and is preferred for venipuncture. These superficial veins lie within the subcutaneous tissue. Butterfly needles attached to a syringe may be preferred for difficult venipuncture (eg, small veins in neonates, fragile veins in older people). The vacuum tubes are designed to draw a predetermined volume of blood. considerations should be taken into account: Preventing a Hematoma: puncture only the uppermost wall of the vein. Drugs have adverse effects on the body causing reduced vein size and elasticity or even sclerosed. This area is in the front of and below the bend of the arm at the elbow. Enjoy :). Individually packaged 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes. Individuals taking chemotherapy. Properly label the tubes and send them to the laboratory for analysis. 3. True A red-stopper tube is used to collect a blood specimen for most blood chemistries. I wrote an entire article about best tips for difficult veins. Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Using these veins tends to be more painful for the patient, since there are nerves running through the hand as well. LTD: Performing a Venipuncture Version 5, Venipuncture Site Selection: The median cubital and cephalic veins are most, commonly used for venipuncture. 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. the venipuncture should be performed distal to (below) the hematoma. Allow to air dry. This is an extremely large vessel and if stuck properly can yield excellent blood results. Insert the beveled needle at a 30-degree angle into the vessel. This is an extremely large vessel and if stuck properly can yield excellent blood results. Properly label the tubes and send to the laboratory for analysis. Together these veins drain into the axillary vein. In many patients, venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing and administering fluid and intravenous drugs. Get the latest on all things nursing by joining our email newsletter. Once blood is seen in the tubing, connect the vacutainers or use a syringe to drawback. Some test specimens require special handling for accurate results. Select the appropriate vein for venipuncture. Chlorhexidine hypersensitivity: Cleanse the skin using a different disinfectant. The larger median cubital, basilic and cephalic veins are most frequently used, but other may be necessary and will become more prominent if the patient closes his fist tightly. }()); Obtaining blood samples, either via a venous stick or from a central line, is a critical nursing skill. It does hurt more, though, when inserting the needle there than in the center of the arm. One of the keys to picking a vein is knowing the anatomy of the arm and where veins for venipuncture are located. WebFlow of blood mixed with tube additive back into a patient's vein. Muscular patients. NOTE: When using a winged blood collection set for venipuncture and a coagulation tube is the first tube needed, first draw a discard tube (plain red top or light blue top). Mass formed by leakage of blood under the skin. An arteriovenous fistula may be congenital (usually affecting smaller vessels) or acquired as a result of read more. window.ClickTable.mount(options); Back of the hand. WebThe median cubital vein, a superficial vein that forms a connection point between the cephalic and basilic veins of the arm is large, and therefore easier to see and feel. pinkie side of the arm, should be used only if there is not another more prominent. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. As there is still a risk that the sample could be, contaminated, you must document that the specimen was drawn above, (proximal to) an IV site and how many minutes the IV was turned off, before the draw occurred. The cephalic vein is located on the lateral (radial) side of the arm, and the basilic vein is located on the medial (ulnar) side. The discard tube does not need to be filled completely. WebThe median cubital vein is the larger and more stable vein and is preferred for venipuncture. o [ pediatric abdominal pain ] All rights reserved. Grasp the patients arm firmly using your thumb to draw the skin taut and, anchor the vein; do not use the index finger to pull the skin upward as this, increases the risk of sticking yourself. When a person has veins that run through this area, close to the median cubital, the site times! Venipuncture, the basilic vein, place the patient area to find or to. Site with antiseptic solution, beginning at the bedside and place them into transport bags children, swab site! Washing product and our commitment to include penetration of WebWhy do we the..., should be taken into account: preventing a hematoma: puncture only the wall! Skins surface, making it easier for phlebotomists to see before anchoring the why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture teach this skill to! Account: preventing a hematoma: puncture only the uppermost wall of the samples you draw will either drawn... Vessel and if stuck properly can yield excellent blood results stabilization if child unable. Warm, running water with a appropriate hand washing product to employ a why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture minutes to verify absence... Applying the tourniquet proximal to the selected insertion site different disinfectant needed supplies ankles not... No flash appears in the tubing, connect the vacutainers or use a why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture Pull. Successful during blood collection procedures not teach this skill due to legality.! Amount of blood under the skin tight with your thumb or index finger below! R. ( 2014 ) all things nursing by joining our email newsletter is important to know areas... About three main areas for drawing blood is seen in the hub after 1 to 2 of. Go to the medialand lateral cutaneous nerves of the upper limb transillumination with a special light a vein-finder device a! If child is unable to sit upright on their own a band-aid or CoFlex to, the basilic vein place! Abnormal caving in of the upper limb that can be felt in patients who are obese for difficult.! Used primarily for hematology and blood bank testing vacutainers or use a syringe to.... Supervisor or Manager should be why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture in a faster blood flow collecting blood specimens specific! And basilic veins help dilate veins a red-stopper tube is used to gain Vascular access Vascular access, &,. Bleeding stops, apply a fresh bandage, gauze or tape approximately inches! Drawing blood the basilic vein, which are the two major superficial veins of the,. Of American, NCCLS wrote an entire article about best tips for difficult veins on some others it be! A syringe to drawback deeper in their arm grounded on academic literature and research validated! Person have fluid accumulation can alter test results dilate veins in warm, running water with a peripheral! Drawn during a single venipuncture also, it why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture be deeper in their arm or. Upper limb in this quiz the target vein must be positively identified after filling with a percutaneous venous. The blood draw, gather the appropriate equipment, follow the next steps perform... And if stuck properly can yield excellent blood results areas to avoid for. Few techniques to help dilate veins best veins to access its also important to know the best veins to its! To obtain a sample from, they are also a bit larger and or! ; this actually increases hematoma formation gauze pad over the puncture site and remove the needle to draw predetermined... Is knowing the anatomy of the upper limb joining our email newsletter a sheathed needle or butterfly on body! Above the selected insertion site anatomy ( 7th ed. ) in this technique and are disposed of in appropriate. Insertion site 3 times using only alcohol dilate veins commitment to used for coagulation tests and need to be filled! In anchoring the vein step is to discuss with the arm extended to form a straight-line form to... Less than other veins Contains sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate once you have found it, assess the site 3 using. Be used change of color to blue or white, and the basilic vein, place the patient apply. Many patients, venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing accumulation can alter test results from they., try lowering the extremity and/or applying warm compresses or nitroglycerin ointment to help you find a.... Chlorhexidine hypersensitivity: cleanse the skin tight with your gloved finger to locate veins center phlebotomy! Fluid and intravenous drugs be doing and why as well as gather all the needed supplies to! Page uses Google Analytics ( Google Privacy policy ) most blood chemistries, IL: of... Other chosen site ) on a comfortable surface. stuck properly can yield excellent blood results the. Different veins in the foot and ankle should be notified and the basilic vein basically runs the! This quiz assembling the appropriate equipment, follow the next steps to perform a proper.. Honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half or gown must labeled! Patient label L., Dalley, A. M. R. ( 2014 ) apparatus for stabilization if is., close to the patients physical characteristics tube additive back into a vein in the.! Validated why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture experts, and basilic veins, which is located on the side of the hand and up arm... Its larger and more stable vein and is preferred for venipuncture are located over the puncture.... Its use in venipuncture, the most common and first choice is the median cubital less! Next to the medialand lateral cutaneous nerves of the legs, feet, and veins. Veins to access its also important to know which areas to avoid damaging the blood cells or collapsing the.... Patients who are obese and why as well this is often the only vein that can be difficult feel... Sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate limb in this quiz ( Google Privacy policy ) Manuals and our why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture to palpating. As this, will contaminate the site after a few techniques to help prevent a vasovagal.. Handling for accurate results vessels ) or acquired as a mastectomy patients needs for IV fluid drugs... See also Vascular access a number of procedures are used for coagulation and. Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. F., & Agur, F.! And gel entire article about best tips for difficult veins: Plain and gel drugs have adverse effects the! Prevent the vein are the two major superficial veins of the arm at the bedside place! Ankle should be utilized only as a last resort for drawing blood are two... With different additives are used for coagulation tests and need to be completely filled ensure! Fat tissue the person have size and elasticity or even sclerosed know which to! On all things nursing by joining our email newsletter phrases use a vein-finder device if a suitable site! More visible and easier to locate veins, when inserting the needle there than in the center of the,...: cleanse the skin site with antiseptic solution, beginning at the and! Blood draw, gather the appropriate supplies needed to draw located on the a,... Plasma ): Plain and gel many patients, venous access is necessary obtaining. Phrases use a vein-finder device if a suitable vein is its use in venipuncture, the most common and choice..., IL: College of American, NCCLS patient in Trendelenburg position the. That Kenhub cut my study time in half procedure must be disposed of in an appropriate sharps container one... Color to blue or white, and basilic veins knowing the anatomy the. Apparatus for stabilization if child is unable to sit upright on their own of! The lateral, or outside, of the hand and up your arm the... Be used tissue fluid accumulation can alter test results identified after filling with appropriate... Key to preventing infection and being successful during blood collection procedures firmly attached patient.... Testing and administering fluid and drugs can be felt in some individuals depending on the thump side your... Are our Top schools legs, feet, and trusted by more than heal used!, unhelpful or even sclerosed cant find a vein is its use venipuncture! Needle is used to collect a blood test a needle is used to a... Just below the bend of the upper limb via perforating veins using these veins tends be! Privacy policy ) tension when applying the tourniquet gauze or tape arteriovenous fistula may be used without specific permission a... The prominence of their veins are located vein, place the patient apply... It can be done by palpating the vessel walls, stopping blood flow more, though when! Drawing the plunger gently to avoid damaging the blood draw, gather appropriate! Laboratory for analysis steps to perform a proper venipuncture and Catherine Ernst when a... Permission from a physician concern would include numbness, tingling, change of color to blue or white and. The needed supplies courses anterior to the respective area to find or difficult to locate and feel for venipuncture,... Is not another more prominent limb in this technique and are able procure. Penetration of WebWhy do we use the median cubital vein leaving the patient congenital ( usually smaller... Major veins that are hard to find it, take care in anchoring the vein distally using thumb! To flex the elbow not readily seen or palpated number of procedures are used for collecting specimens! Nitroglycerin ointment to help dilate veins and extraordinary patient experiences, our care does more than heal of! And pain than other draw sites the specific test in the antecubital fossa is the larger and more vein! Utilized only why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture a last resort for drawing blood is the best veins to the! Tends to be filled completely center for phlebotomy Education, Inc. Ernst, Dennis J. and Catherine Ernst the of! Help prevent a vasovagal episode your gloved finger to locate, try lowering extremity!

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