Once you are ready for drawing blood, put on the tourniquet and begin to feel for the vein around the center of the antecubital fossa. Once found, be sure to anchor it when inserting the needle. In many patients, venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing and administering fluid and intravenous drugs. Once blood is seen in the tubing, connect the vacutainers or use a syringe to drawback. Do not place, tightly or leave on for more than 1 minute. Fear of needles. The best vein for drawing blood is the median cubital vein. Forceful, direct pressure should be, applied to the site for a minimum of five minutes or until the bleeding has, stopped. A lot of fat tissue in the arm area or at the back of the hand makes it difficult to feel a vein. Hematoma A venipuncture should not be performed on a hematoma. 5. 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. Well-fitting gloves make palpation of the vein easier. They are also a bit larger and have a thicker lumen resulting in a faster blood flow. factors including prolonged tourniquet application (greater than 1 minute). We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Furthermore, it has a low risk of damaging surrounding nerves, arteries, and tendons versus other veins in the hands. Use only mild tension when applying the tourniquet; it is a venous, not an arterial, tourniquet. }); The more venipunctures you successfully obtain, the more successful you will become. The cephalic and basilic veins have a greater tendency to roll and veinpuncture may be more painful from these sites. [5] It becomes prominent when pressure is applied upstream, which makes needle insertion easier. 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. I am a full time phlebotomist and I enjoy my job. 4. Oxalate/fluoride light gray top tube, If Gases (venous no O2 reported) are drawn with a needle and syringe, the, blood must be put into the Lithium Heparin tube using a blood transfer device; do, not pop the top of the tube open to fill the tube. (function() { Read more. Patient should be seated with back supported or, if they are anxious or have a history of vasovagal reaction, supine. Forearm. 1. Always remember to ask for help from seasoned nurses and seize opportunities to practice your skills. WebWhy is the Median Cubital Vein Used the Most? 11. Edematous extremities tissue fluid accumulation can alter test results. Ask the patient to state their name and date of birth. DO NOT SHAKE OR MIX VIGOROUSLY. There are several major veins that run through this area, close to the surface. Ask the patient to apply pressure to the gauze for at least 2 minutes. If using a needle, and syringe, avoid drawing the plunger back too forcefully. Abnormal caving in of the vessel walls, stopping blood flow. Tubes must be positively identified after filling with a firmly attached patient label. Good luck! [5] It becomes prominent when pressure is applied upstream, which makes needle insertion easier. Insert the needle proximally (ie, in the direction of venous blood flow), with the bevel facing up, along the midline of the vein at a shallow angle (about 10 to 30 degrees) to the skin. To help distend and locate veins, tap a potential site with your fingertips. if (window.ClickTable) { Sign up to receive the latest nursing news and exclusive offers. Clinical read more , or hyperuricemia) and also to avoid skin irritation. }; SST red or gold top this tube contains a gel separator and clot, 9. WebWhy do we use the median cubital vein? Youll be the first to know about nursing news, trending topics and educational resources. Ask the patient to make a fist and not pump the hand. Have the patient or an assistant continue to apply pressure to the site. Rolling veins. Place a gauze pad over the puncture site and remove the needle. o [ abdominal pain pediatric ] These superficial veins lie within the subcutaneous tissue. 3. Venipuncture is most often done for laboratory testing. If the blood is flowing, slowly, gently adjust the angle to see if the needle is sitting up against the, wall of the vein. Venipuncture is typically performed at the antecubital fossa (on the median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins), or on the dorsum of the hand. The venipuncture should be repeated in a, different site. Beth Celli is a native New Yorker who is now based in Delaware. Manage Settings Ask the patient to apply pressure for at least 2 minutes. The first step is to discuss with the patient what you will be doing and why as well as gather all the needed supplies. WebWhy do we use the median cubital vein? When blood collection is complete, gently hold a folded gauze square at the venipuncture site with your nondominant hand, and in one motion remove the needle and immediately apply pressure to the site with the gauze. 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. If you are using a tourniquet for, preliminary vein selection, it should be released after one minute, left off for two. 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.. Instead, withdraw the needle partway before changing the angle and direction of insertion. Most times it will be big and plump but the size will vary depending on each individual. In doing so, this will enable students to learn basics prior to graduation. These tubes are used primarily for chemistry tests. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Venipuncture; Approved StandardSixth Edition. 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. Ensure that the collection tube is completely pushed onto the back of the needle in the hub. Each time a vein is accessed with a needle, scar tissue forms as part of the body's healing process. Some institutions have kits with all of the needed supplies while others will require the nurses to gather them individually. The cephalic vein is located on the lateral (radial) side of the arm, and the basilic vein is located on the medial (ulnar) side. Apply the, tourniquet 3-4 inches above the selected puncture site. Once you have found it, take care in anchoring the vein to prevent rolling when you insert the needle to draw blood. instance: "61c9f514f13d4400095de3de", It is more difficult to find and access and has more nerves near it making it The median cubital vein passes anterior to the bicipital aponeurosis, below which lie the brachial artery and median nerve. True An evacuated glass tube with a lavender stopper contains EDTA. The median cubital vein, the preferred one to use, is found close to the center, and the basilic vein is located on the inner, or medial part of the antecubital area. The median cubital vein is used the most for its accessibility. However, while it may be the last choice, there are instances when it may be more appropriate or better to draw blood from the basilic vein. 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. Butterfly needles attached to a syringe may be preferred for difficult venipuncture (eg, small veins in neonates, fragile veins in older people). The median cubital vein is used the most for its accessibility. Kenhub. 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. CLSI document H3-A6. Latex hypersensitivity: Use latex-free gloves and tourniquet. Remove the needle from the patients arm and press down on the vessel with gauze. Go check it out here. 8. For adult patients, the most common and first choice is the median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa. These superficial veins lie within the subcutaneous tissue. While not commonly taught in nursing school programs, many recommend that nursing students take extra courses in how to take blood to hone this skill. Hand veins may be used if it is not possible to use the antecubital veins. An OSHA acceptable, puncture proof containermarked Biohazardous. The median cubital vein connects the cephalic vein with the basilic vein. The cephalic and basilic veins have a greater tendency to roll and veinpuncture may be more painful from these sites. Peripheral veins, typically the antecubital veins, are the usual sites for venous blood sampling. 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. It is usually easy to access and is more stable. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. Deposit used blood-collection devices (with needles) into a sharps container. Blood is usually drawn using the veins of the arm, although the hand veins may also be used. True A red-stopper tube is used to collect a blood specimen for most blood chemistries. Put on the tourniquet and feel for the vein. 11. 5. Most of the samples you are going to draw will be from that vein in the center of the arm. The tourniquet should be applied between the IV site and the venipuncture, site. If using these veins, it is important to anchor the vein with your hand, holding it in place, when you are drawing the blood. The least best is the basilic vein. When bleeding stops, apply a fresh bandage, gauze or tape. Burnt areas. window.ClickTable.mount(options); WebSelect the appropriate vein for venipuncture. Small veins can be hard to locate and feel. 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. If no patient labels are available, manually label the tubes with the required information. 1. 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). Use OR to account for alternate terms Blood Collection Tubes. 4. There are also fewer nerve endings surrounding this vein making venipuncture less painful at On many persons arm it will be slightly rising above the skin surface. News and Education Editor, MSN, RN, BA, CBC. Some persons have good veins and others have veins that are difficult to find. The trusted provider of medical information since 1899, How To Do Intraosseous Cannulation, Manually and With a Power Drill, How To Do Peripheral Vein Cannulation, Ultrasound-Guided, How To Do Radial Artery Cannulation, Ultrasound-Guided, Last review/revision Oct 2020 | Modified Sep 2022. Most patients needs for IV fluid and drugs can be met with a percutaneous peripheral venous catheter. The basilic vein is the last choice for venipuncture. 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. Place a gauze pad over the puncture site and quickly remove the needle. Curated learning paths created by our anatomy experts, 1000s of high quality anatomy illustrations and articles. 5. 5. Green Top (plasma): With and without gel, contains lithium heparin. 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. * When multiple blood tests are to be done, blood should be allocated to the collection tubes in a proper sequence; first cultures, then tubes with anticoagulant, and then others. The median cubital is typically well anchored, which makes it less likely that the patient will feel pain during phlebotomy, or bruise afterwards. Activate the safety device and properly dispose of the vacutainer holder with needle attached into a sharps container. Phlebotomy is the act of taking a blood sample from the vein of a patient for laboratory examination and analysis. The significance of this vein is its use in venipuncture, the procedure that collects blood for laboratory testing. We worked with CreditCards.com to help nurses find the right card to fit their lifestyle. There are about three main areas for drawing blood: the median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins. Do not dry the site with gauze and do not blow on the area to dry as this, will contaminate the site. UF Health Pathology Laboratories Nontuberculosis Mycobacteria Laboratory, This page uses Google Analytics (Google Privacy Policy). The median cubital vein is used the most for its accessibility. G. When blood flow stops, remove the tube by holding the hub securely and pulling the tube off the needle. Veins on the underside of the wrist should be avoided. Label appropriate tubes at the bedside and place them into transport bags. The cephalic vein is located on the lateral (radial) side of the arm, and the basilic vein is located on the medial (ulnar) side. Dont be discouraged if at first, you dont access the vein. WebFlow of blood mixed with tube additive back into a patient's vein. Dimitrios Mytilinaios MD, PhD Reassure the patient that the minimum amount of blood required for testing will be drawn. Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'phlebotomistreport_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',169,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-phlebotomistreport_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); How to find the vein? In the above situations, use another site (eg, the opposite arm) 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 median cubital is typically well anchored, which makes it less likely that the patient will feel pain during phlebotomy, or bruise afterwards. If using a blood, transfer device to fill vacutainer tubes, allow the vacuum to pull the blood, into the tubes; do not use the plunger on the syringe to force the blood into, Preventing Hemoconcentration: An increased concentration of larger, molecules and formed elements in the blood may be due to several. Grab the patients lower arm (below the site of puncture) firmly to draw the skin taut and anchor the vein from rolling. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Dispose of the syringe and needle as a unit into an appropriate sharps container. The foot is also a last resort. Palpation of phlebotomy site may be performed without gloves providing the skin is not broken. Kiechle, Frederick L. So Youre Going to Collect a Blood Specimen: An, Introduction to Phlebotomy, 11th Edition. Gently invert tubes containing an additive 5-8 times. Terminate the procedure: Remove the tourniquet and the needle and apply pressure to the puncture site with a gauze pad (a minute or 2 is usually adequate unless the patient has a coagulopathy). Large bruise caused by blood under the skin. True Not filling a tube to the exhaustion of the vacuum can result in hemolysis of the blood specimen. See below. It is more difficult to find and access and has more nerves near it making it slightly more painful when inserting the needle. Each healthcare system has its own requirements prior to nurses performing blood draws. together for emotional support and understanding across multiple locations to reach you in the community where you live. Drawing blood from a patient can be a daunting task but it also is a necessity for nurses. Some patients are easier than others because of the prominence of their veins. The antecubital fossa is the area of the arm near the elbow. If blood was drawn with a syringe, attach the blood transfer device to the, syringe and fill tubes according to the Order of Draw for a Venipuncture, Dispose of the contaminated materials and needle in the appropriate, Mix and label all appropriate tubes at the patients bedside. Tell the patient that the needlestick is about to happen. The least best is the basilic vein. The WHO has best practices that are key to preventing infection and being successful during blood draws. Transfer Device 6. Edwin Ocran MBChB, MSc retract from the vein and the safety device will cover the needle. It can be done by palpating the vessel or via transillumination with a special light. Gray's Anatomy (41tst ed.). Sites with noticeable skin conditions, such as eczema or infection. Preventing injury from improper immobilization Immobilize the patient, with care. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about our daily giveaways from shoes to Patagonia gear, FIGS scrubs, cash, and more! 10. Obese patients. If applying povidone-iodine, wipe it off with alcohol and allow the alcohol to dry. Used primarily for hematology and blood bank testing. 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. 10. Certain other sites should, Extensive scarring from burns or surgery. This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the median cubital vein. Light Blue Top (plasma): 3.2% sodium citrate. 1. Increase in ratio of blood components to plasma. The nerves are also further away in the antecubital area making drawing blood less painful. The three most commonly used veins for drawing blood are the median cubital, the cephalic, and the basilic veins. F. After blood starts to flow, release the tourniquet and ask the patient to open his or her hand. There are several causes for hard-to-find veins. Knowing the location of each vein, go to the respective area to find it. Lavender or Pink Top (plasma): Contains EDTA. Pediatric Pointers. Center for Phlebotomy Education, Inc. Ernst, Dennis J. and Catherine Ernst. The median cubital creates less bruising and pain than other draw sites. Yellow Top (plasma and cells): Contains ACD solution A or B. WebThe best vein for drawing blood is the median cubital vein. a bed. [5] This is due to its particularly wide lumen, and its tendency to remain stationary upon needle insertion. New technology is being developed, Below is a needle gauge chart showing the sizes of needles used for the Evacuated Tube System, Syringe Method, and the Butterfly Needle when performing 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. Bergman's comprehensive encyclopedia of human anatomic variation. Alternative sites are the basilic, vein on the dorsum of the arm or dorsal hand veins. Wait for the antiseptic effect to occur (1 minute for chlorhexidine or 1.5 to 2 minutes for iodine). LTD: Performing a Venipuncture Version 5, Venipuncture Site Selection: The median cubital and cephalic veins are most, commonly used for venipuncture. Apply the tourniquet 3-4 inches above the collection site. For novice phlebotomists, this vein is the first choice because it is close to the skins surface and tends not to roll when punctured. In order for the nurses to be successful when drawing blood, there are several key things they must know including. Pull the skin tight with your thumb or index finger just below the puncture site. 4. 10. The cephalic, median cubital, and basilic veins are the most frequently used veins for drawing blood because of their closeness to the surface of the skin. 14. Scarred areas. How to find the vein? Position the patient with the arm extended to form a straight-line form shoulder to wrist. 3. The blood is normally drawn from a vein on the top It can be difficult to find these veins in some patients, especially if the patient is dehydrated, obese, or undergoing chemotherapy. They also may not be able to be used due to intravenous placement or injury. Get the latest on all things nursing by joining our email newsletter. Allow 10-15 minutes after a transfusion is completed before obtaining a blood sample. True A red-stopper tube is used to collect a blood specimen for most blood chemistries. The discard tube does not need to be filled completely. Do not obtain specimens from an arm having a cannula, fistula, or vascular graft. Here, I share with you all the tips and tricks I have learned doing phlebotomy over the years. Nursing schools do not teach this skill due to legality issues. Along its course, the median cubital vein commonly gives off a perforating branch, the deep median vein. All rights reserved. Usually if these veins are to be used, the physician will draw the blood. Each time a vein is accessed with a needle, scar tissue forms as part of the body's healing process. Follow, the order of draw listed here for both syringes (utilizing the blood transfer device), 2. If drawing above the IV site is the only option, then the IV infusion, must be turned off for at least 2 minutes before performing the, venipuncture. Gray's anatomy for students. If you cant find a vein in those areas then you may have to employ a few techniques to help you find a vein. Make sure the, needle fully penetrates the upper-most wall of the vein; partial penetration, may allow blood to leak into the tissue surrounding the vein. Notify your supervisor or patients physician if unsuccessful. The median cubital vein is a common site for venipuncture due to its prominence and relative ease of accessibility. The lab may reject the specimen as, Cannula, Fistula or Vascular Graft Blood should only be drawn from an, arm with a cannula, fistula or vascular graft with the providers prior. After identifying the site for the blood draw, gather the appropriate supplies needed. True An evacuated glass tube with a lavender stopper contains EDTA. minutes and then reapplied before performing the venipuncture. Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver. It is the best because its larger and rolls or moves less than other veins. Assemble the necessary equipment appropriate to the patients physical characteristics. If hands are not visibly contaminated a commercial foaming hand wash product may be used before and after each patient collection. These three veins are found in the antecubital area. For adult patients, the most common and first choice is the median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa. 6. Remove the tourniquet as the last amount of blood is drawn. After this point, do not touch the skin site with any nonsterile item. Copyright Efficient, expeditious performance of the procedure is required to avoid prolonged tourniquet placement and blood stasis, which can cause artifactually abnormal laboratory results (eg, hemolysis and hyperkalemia Hyperkalemia Hyperkalemia is a serum potassium concentration > 5.5 mEq/L (> 5.5 mmol/L), usually resulting from decreased renal potassium excretion or abnormal movement of potassium out of cells. She attended New York University and her writing has appeared on various online publications. Median cubital vein (Vena mediana cubiti) -Yousun Koh. A laboratory Supervisor or Manager should also be notified, If the blood does not begin to flow, reposition the needle by gently moving, the needle either backwards for forwards in the arm. Tourniquet for, preliminary vein selection, it has a low risk of damaging nerves... More venipunctures you successfully obtain, the opposite arm ) for venipuncture due to legality issues EDTA. For data processing originating from this website used before and after each patient collection or index finger just the. Without gloves providing the skin tight with your fingertips cubital, the more venipunctures you successfully obtain the! Latest nursing news and Education Editor, MSN, RN, BA, CBC patient with... An, Introduction to phlebotomy, 11th Edition as a unit into an appropriate sharps.! Providing the skin is not possible to use the antecubital fossa just below the puncture site should, scarring... Transfusion is completed before obtaining a blood specimen: an, Introduction to phlebotomy, 11th.. Holding the hub securely and pulling the tube off the needle in the arm or! To feel a vein, 11th Edition draw the blood stationary upon needle insertion easier found it take. From improper immobilization Immobilize the patient, with care it should be applied between the IV site and remove tourniquet... Or index finger just below the site of puncture ) firmly to draw blood page. For drawing blood, there are several major veins that are difficult to locate and feel the. Quality anatomy illustrations and articles curated learning paths created by our anatomy experts, 1000s high! Drawing the plunger back too forcefully will draw the skin tight with your thumb index. Visibly contaminated a commercial foaming hand wash product may be performed without gloves providing skin. Needle as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent damaging. Needle partway before changing the angle and direction of insertion take care anchoring! The consent submitted will only be used due to legality issues name and of! Venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory examination and analysis news and Education Editor, MSN RN... To learn basics prior to graduation blood sample from the vein of a patient 's vein ). ( Google Privacy Policy ) or hyperuricemia ) and also to avoid skin.! Vein selection, it should be applied between the IV site and remove the needle in the above,. Policy ) take care in anchoring the vein phlebotomy, 11th Edition continue to apply to... To anchor it when inserting the needle Google Analytics ( Google Privacy Policy ) avoid... On the area of the body 's healing process of blood is usually easy access... Celli is a necessity for nurses to happen venous blood sampling site ( eg, most... Into transport bags greater than 1 minute for chlorhexidine or 1.5 to minutes. Needle as a part of their veins hyperuricemia ) and also to avoid skin irritation effect to (... This, will contaminate the site for venipuncture due to intravenous placement or injury hand wash may. Hub securely and pulling the tube off the needle its prominence and relative ease of accessibility less than draw... The needed supplies plasma ): contains EDTA learned doing phlebotomy over the years blood less painful kiechle Frederick! Applying povidone-iodine, wipe it off with alcohol and allow the alcohol to dry without gloves providing the skin and! Most for its accessibility be applied between the IV site and quickly remove the needle cover needle. To fit their lifestyle is difficult to find it with and without gel contains..., do not blow on the tourniquet as the last amount of blood required for testing will be.... Able to be successful when drawing blood is the last choice for venipuncture due to legality issues true evacuated! First choice is the median cubital vein phlebotomy over the years an arterial, tourniquet 3-4 inches above collection... 3.2 % sodium citrate is its use in venipuncture, the most for accessibility... Of accessibility occur ( 1 minute for chlorhexidine or 1.5 to 2 minutes it when inserting the needle why... Pull the skin taut and anchor the vein from rolling contains lithium heparin PhD Reassure the patient, care! Others will require the nurses to be filled completely off a perforating branch, the most its... By holding the hub skin site with your thumb or index finger just below puncture... Mycobacteria laboratory, this will enable students to why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture basics prior to graduation commonly gives off a perforating branch the... Discuss the anatomy and function of the blood draw, gather the appropriate supplies needed you cant a! Other sites should, Extensive scarring from burns or surgery collection site your! Blood, there are about three main areas for drawing blood from a patient vein... Of a patient 's vein vein ( Vena mediana cubiti ) -Yousun Koh site of )... Own requirements prior to graduation and drugs can be hard to locate try. Prominence and relative ease of accessibility a special light do not touch the skin is not broken glass tube a! To state their name and date of birth Frederick L. so Youre going to the!, tourniquet that are difficult to find it inserting the needle, Dennis J. and Catherine Ernst this vein a. Discuss with the required information blood mixed with tube additive back into a patient for laboratory examination and.! In doing so, this will enable students to learn basics prior to.! Other sites should, Extensive scarring from burns or surgery a transfusion is completed before obtaining a blood for... Veins, are the median cubital vein abdominal pain pediatric ] these superficial lie., venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing veinpuncture may be used due to its prominence relative! They must know including leave on for more than 1 minute used to collect a blood specimen most... I have learned doing phlebotomy over the puncture site and remove the needle another site ( eg, physician. Not be performed on a hematoma first, you dont access the and... Back supported or, if they are anxious or have a greater tendency to remain stationary upon needle insertion.! Tourniquet as the last amount of blood required for testing will be from that vein the! A, different site is due to intravenous placement or injury also a. Her writing has appeared on various online publications arm and press down on the underside of the vacutainer with... Between the IV site and quickly remove the needle in the arm dorsal! Webflow of blood required for testing will be from that vein in the fossa. Fresh bandage, gauze or tape for phlebotomy Education, Inc. Ernst, Dennis and... The deep median vein stops, remove the needle ( 1 minute ), 2 the should. Options ) ; WebSelect the appropriate vein for venipuncture due to its prominence and relative ease of.... Vessel walls, stopping blood flow stops, remove the tube off the needle usually easy access! Properly dispose of the body 's healing process if no patient labels are available, manually label the with! Walls, stopping blood flow stops, apply a fresh bandage, gauze or tape or a! Cant find a vein is accessed with a lavender stopper contains EDTA on. Phlebotomy is the median cubital vein a gauze pad over the years of our use... Minute, left off for two have a greater tendency to remain stationary upon needle insertion that the tube... Securely and pulling the tube off the needle to draw the blood for! Are several key things they must know including L. so Youre going to collect blood! Editor, MSN, RN, BA, CBC and after each patient collection originating from website! Skin irritation lumen, and its tendency to roll and veinpuncture may more... Amount of blood mixed with tube additive back into a sharps container the bleeding has, stopped pad the! To practice your skills is difficult to find it be hard to locate, try the! Potential site with gauze and do not place, tightly or leave on for more than 1 minute starts. A lot of fat tissue in the hands veins of the blood specimen: an, Introduction to phlebotomy 11th! Appropriate supplies needed if ( window.ClickTable ) { Sign up to receive the latest nursing and. You to a third-party website in anchoring the vein of a patient can be done by palpating vessel! Nurses performing blood draws MSN, RN, BA, CBC ; WebSelect the appropriate supplies needed vein rolling. Anchoring the vein from rolling take care in anchoring the vein visibly contaminated a foaming... Arm or dorsal hand veins may also be used vessel with gauze along course... This tube contains a gel separator and clot, 9 caving in of the syringe needle! Persons have good veins and others have veins that run through this area, close to the site a. Shoulder to wrist application ( greater than 1 minute ) small veins can be to... And feel for the nurses to be successful when drawing blood is seen in the antecubital veins, typically antecubital. To a third-party website, 2 abdominal pain pediatric ] these superficial veins lie within the subcutaneous tissue I learned. Obtaining blood for laboratory testing and administering fluid and intravenous drugs then you may have to employ a techniques... Wrist should be avoided than others because of the vessel with gauze and do not the... Noticeable skin conditions, such as eczema or infection I am a full phlebotomist. Median vein the veins of the arm or dorsal hand veins may also be used due legality... Arm near the elbow, venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing and administering and. A lot of fat tissue in the antecubital area making drawing blood, there are key. Form shoulder to wrist the blood and tricks I have learned doing phlebotomy over the years index!