Small veins can be hard to locate and feel. When that happens it can be difficult to locate veins. 12. WebWhy do we use the median cubital vein? Venipuncture is typically performed at the antecubital fossa (on the median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins), or on the dorsum of the hand. It is closer to the brachial artery and median nerve making it more likely that a puncture could lead to an injury of one of those structures. When using a syringe, pull back on the plunger gently to avoid damaging the blood cells or collapsing the vein. 1. Explain the procedure and reason for the blood draw to the patient. Some persons have good veins and others have veins that are difficult to find. It is usually easy to access and is more stable. Median cubital vein: want to learn more about it? This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the median cubital vein. It can be difficult to find these veins in some patients, especially if the patient is dehydrated, obese, or undergoing chemotherapy. Used for Genetics testing. In many patients, venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing and administering fluid and intravenous drugs. How to find the vein? True allergies should be identified on an allergy ID band but sensitivities may not be reported at the time of patient admission. The least best is the basilic 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. Although there is a considerable amount of variation, the median cubital vein often receives the median antebrachial vein as its major tributary. window.ClickTable.mount(options); Select the. Sign up to receive the latest nursing news and exclusive offers. Burnt areas. Webthe brachial artery and median nerve, the basilic vein, which is located on the. The more venipunctures you successfully obtain, the more successful you will become. The median cubital is typically well anchored, which makes it less likely that the patient will feel pain during phlebotomy, or bruise afterwards. Similar anastomotic connections are seen in other areas of the upper limb. If the blood is not delivered in a timely manner it can cause hemolysis and skew the lab results. Light Blue Top (plasma): 3.2% sodium citrate. If there is not an alternate vein to draw. There are two main ways to find a vein to draw blood. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. Avoid drawing blood from a hematoma. Large bruise caused by blood under the skin. 3. Wait for the antiseptic solution to dry completely. While we are ranked among the best children's hospitals in the country, it's our compassionate approach to treatment that makes us truly exceptional. False The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. 2. Learning anatomy is a massive undertaking, and we're here to help you pass with flying colours. For adult patients, the most common and first choice is the median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa. Veins can move, or roll, which makes it more difficult to perform phlebotomy. Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver. Place a tourniquet and clean the area for 30 seconds with an alcohol wipe. True A red-stopper tube is used to collect a blood specimen for most blood chemistries. The tourniquet should be applied between the IV site and the venipuncture, site. There are also fewer nerve endings surrounding this vein making venipuncture less painful at Sometimes venipuncture is performed on hand veins when the veins in the antecubital fossa are not appropriate. Get the latest on all things nursing by joining our email newsletter. If the vein is visible then you can already make a choice. Once blood is seen in the tubing, connect the vacutainers or use a syringe to drawback. 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. The median cubital vein is not critical to life, but it does help facilitate venous return from the arms back to the pulmonary system. Register now WebWhy is the Median Cubital Vein Used the Most? They are the cephalic, median cubital, and basilic veins. The five places for drawing blood include: There are also a few more areas like the femoral vein for example where a doctor may draw blood when peripheral vein access is not possible. The color of cap is used to identify these additives. 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. The cephalic vein is the second choice usually, since it is fairly well anchored. Presently, needles are the predominant way of getting blood drawn for blood tests. Reading time: 3 minutes. 9. (See Use of Band-Aids in the Post-Phlebotomy Policy), Additional Considerations When Performing a Venipuncture: The following. Use another tube as vacuum may have been lost. The forearm is another place to look for veins if you cant find one in the antecubital fossa or back of the hands. This vein penetrates the fascial roof of the cubital fossa to anastomose with a brachial vein, forming a connection between the superficial and deep venous systems of the upper limb. True Not filling a tube to the exhaustion of the vacuum can result in hemolysis of the blood specimen. 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. Immediately apply pressure. The median cubital vein is the first choice for venipuncture. Increase in ratio of blood components to plasma. opposite arm, then blood should be drawn from BELOW (distal to) the IV. If applying povidone-iodine, wipe it off with alcohol and allow the alcohol to dry. These three veins are found in the antecubital area. It is large and near the skins surface, making it easier for phlebotomists to see before anchoring the vein. pinkie side of the arm, should be used only if there is not another more prominent. WebThe median cubital and cephalic veins are preferred for blood sampling, but other arm and hand veins may be used. Preventing dizziness or fainting and potential follow-up injuries due to a, fall: Be sure patient is seated in an appropriate draw chair and or lying in. Tell the patient that the needlestick is about to happen. arm to start bleeding when the arm is straightened out. Veins in the foot and ankle should be utilized only as a last resort. A lab coat or gown must be worn during blood collection procedures. Mass formed by leakage of blood under the skin. Assemble the necessary equipment appropriate to the patients physical characteristics. 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. 11. 13. It has the tendency to roll sometimes so care must be taken to anchor it when inserting the needle. Enjoy :). Follow, the order of draw listed here for both syringes (utilizing the blood transfer device), 2. Its location is in the cubital fossa, on the anterior/flexor aspect of the elbow joint. False Read more. The median cubital is typically well anchored, which makes it less likely that the patient will feel pain during phlebotomy, or bruise afterwards. o [ abdominal pain pediatric ] 1. Over time and with several repeated punctures, significant amounts of scar tissue builds up. Avoid probing for the vein. Have the patient or an assistant continue to apply pressure to the site. Vein rolls when inserting the needle. The cephalic vein is located on the lateral (radial) side of the arm, and the basilic vein is located on the medial (ulnar) side. There are about three main areas for drawing blood: the median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins. The Supervisor should be called to assess the patient. If you are using a tourniquet for, preliminary vein selection, it should be released after one minute, left off for two. Through a combination of revolutionary treatments and extraordinary patient experiences, our care does more than heal. In many patients, venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing and administering fluid and intravenous drugs. Causes include chronic kidney disease, hypoparathyroidism, and metabolic or respiratory acidosis. Its important to speak to your supervisor to learn the steps in order to become certified in your hospital. If you are not able to find the median cubital or cephalic veins, then try the basilic vein. Perform good hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE. The median cubital creates less bruising and pain than other draw sites. The three most commonly used veins for drawing blood are the median cubital, the cephalic, and the basilic veins. Obese patients. Increase in ratio of blood components to plasma. For adult patients, the most common and first choice is the median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa. The median cubital vein connects the cephalic and basilic veins, which are the two major superficial veins of the upper limb. This region of the upper limb is sometimes referred to as the antecubital area. In order to draw blood for a blood test a needle has to be inserted into a vein. Tubes with different additives are used for collecting blood specimens for specific types of tests. Reviewer: WebWhy do we use the median cubital vein? When a person has veins that are hard to find or difficult to obtain a sample from, they are a hard stick. Use to remove results with certain terms In many patients, venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing and administering fluid and intravenous drugs. If the vein is not entered, do not try to reposition the needle by moving the tip to one side or another; this can push the vein out of the way and also damage tissue. Hoboken: Wiley Blackwell. Attach the appropriate needle to the hub by removing the plastic cap over the small end of the needle and inserting into the hub, twisting it tight. Using these veins tends to be more painful for the patient, since there are nerves running through the hand as well. Venipuncture; Approved StandardSixth Edition. & Gray, H. (2015). WebSelect the appropriate vein for venipuncture. 2. Venipuncture is a skill that takes time and practice to master. This area is in the front of and below the bend of the arm at the elbow. 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. It is usually straight and found around the center of the antecubital fossa. It is possible that a nerve has been punctured, and possibly damaged. The cephalic and basilic veins have a greater tendency to roll and veinpuncture may be more painful from these sites. Red Top (serum): Plain and gel. Verify that any diet or time restrictions have been met. WebThe median cubital vein is the best vein to use for venipuncture. Select the collection site and proceed as routine phlebotomy. 6. Drake, R., Vogl, W., Mitchell, A. Caution must be taken to avoid arterial puncture. 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 the best because its larger and rolls or moves less than other veins. Median cubital vein (Vena mediana cubiti) -Yousun Koh. It is a critical part of the health care world. Back of the hand. Gently invert tubes containing an additive 5-8 times. Do not recap nonsafety needles prior to disposal unless a sharps container is not immediately available. 7. Apply a band-aid or CoFlex to, the site. 10. Nurses and doctors will sometimes draw blood from the foot when there are no other options. WebThe median cubital vein is routinely used for venipuncture (taking blood) and as a site for an intravenous cannula. Veins in the foot and ankle should be utilized only as a last resort. Drawing blood from a patient can be a daunting task but it also is a necessity for nurses. In such cases, the phlebotomist cant locate the median cubital or cephalic vein but the basilic vein is easier to find. 5. It is the best because its larger and rolls or moves less than other veins. 10. 3. 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. It may help to allow the arm to hang down, increasing venous pressure. [5] It becomes prominent when pressure is applied upstream, which makes needle insertion easier. 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. pinkie side of the arm, should be used only if there is not another more prominent. Clinical Significance. DO NOT SHAKE OR MIX VIGOROUSLY. Veins on the underside of the wrist should be avoided. 5. It is large and near the skins surface, making it easier for phlebotomists to see before anchoring the vein. WebThe median cubital vein is routinely used for venipuncture (taking blood) and as a site for an intravenous cannula. Beth Celli is a native New Yorker who is now based in Delaware. The cephalic vein is located on the lateral (radial) side of the arm, and the basilic vein is located on the medial (ulnar) side. Good luck! If you have that picture then the next steps become easier. Do not inject blood into vacuum collection tubes; allow the vacuum to draw the blood into the tube. 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. In doing so, this will enable students to learn basics prior to graduation. 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. Use OR to account for alternate terms Do not dry the site with gauze and do not blow on the area to dry as this, will contaminate the site. First, gather all of your supplies and discuss with your patient what you are going to be performing. Do not have patients make a fist or let their arm hang down during the blood sampling, because these maneuvers may cause various erroneous laboratory values (eg, increased potassium, lactate, phosphate). Each time a vein is accessed with a needle, scar tissue forms as part of the body's healing process. Sometimes, nurses or a doctor may go there but those are rare instances. Copyright 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. 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? Causes the body to constrict its blood vessels making it difficult to find veins. Read more. 5. Chlorhexidine hypersensitivity: Cleanse the skin using a different disinfectant. Risks associated with using this vein include penetration of 7. They are also a bit larger and have a thicker lumen resulting in a faster blood flow. Contaminated surfaces must be cleaned with freshly prepared 10% bleach solution. The median cubital vein is used the most for its accessibility. Insert the beveled needle at a 30-degree angle into the vessel. Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster. We've looked at programs nationwide and determined these are our top schools. Foot. Check out our list of the top non-bedside nursing careers. A Supervisor or Manager should be notified and the incident. The cephalic and basilic veins have a greater tendency to roll and veinpuncture may be more painful from these sites. After blood has been added to a tube, gently invert the tube 6 to 8 times to mix the contents; do not shake the tubes. The median cubital vein passes anterior to the bicipital aponeurosis, below which lie the brachial artery and median nerve. If the needle had initially passed completely through the vein, a flash may now appear as you withdraw the needle tip back into the lumen. Needles are never recapped, removed, broken, or bent after phlebotomy procedure. Observe special handling requirements. 7. There read more ). The least best is the basilic vein. HealthStar Press, Inc. 2001, updated 1/08. Do not have the patient bend his/her arm; this may cause the. Webthe brachial artery and median nerve, the basilic vein, which is located on the. 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. Gray's Anatomy (41tst ed.). To prevent accidental needlesticks, carefully deposit used blood-collection devices (with the needle still attached to the syringe or vacuum tube holder) into an appropriate container immediately after completing blood sampling. Palpation of phlebotomy site may be performed without gloves providing the skin is not broken. WebWhy do we use the median cubital vein? Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. 11. WebThe median cubital vein is the best vein to use for venipuncture. Phlebotomy is essential for a variety of medical diagnoses, procedures, and tests. Pediatric Pointers. Center for Phlebotomy Education, Inc. Ernst, Dennis J. and Catherine Ernst. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. movement) with the needle should be avoided. Tubbs, R. S., Shoja, M. M., Loukas, M., & Bergman, R. A. Grab the patients lower arm (below the site of puncture) firmly to draw the skin taut and anchor the vein from rolling. While it is important to know the best veins to access its also important to know which areas to avoid. This is an extremely large vessel and if stuck properly can yield excellent blood results. For novice phlebotomists, this vein is the first choice because it is close to the skins surface and tends not to roll when punctured. 6. The tube must be labeled before leaving the patient. 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. 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. There are three veins most commonly used in venipuncture, or phlebotomy. One reason is because you may have hard-to-find veins or you may be dehydrated. 6. They form anastomoses with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the upper limb via perforating veins. The nerves are also further away in the antecubital area making drawing blood less painful. venipuncture site by palpating with the gloved index finger. Tubes must be positively identified after filling with a firmly attached patient label. Do not touch the puncture site after cleaning. Next, locate the vein you will be using for the blood draw. Usually if these veins are to be used, the physician will draw the blood. They also may not be able to be used due to intravenous placement or injury. Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Learning the anatomy of the main veins and arteries in the body is essential to becoming competent in phlebotomy. Reassure the patient that the minimum amount of blood required for testing will be drawn. element: document.getElementById("fbct048686f7"), Veins on the underside of the wrist should be avoided. Of course, the choice of which veins to use will vary depending on each individual. 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. and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide! 6. }; When bleeding stops, apply a fresh bandage, gauze or tape. Remove the needle from the patients arm and press down on the vessel with gauze. WebThe best vein for drawing blood is the median cubital vein. considerations should be taken into account: Preventing a Hematoma: puncture only the uppermost wall of the vein. Each time a vein is accessed with a needle, scar tissue forms as part of the body's healing process. 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? Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Cleanse the skin site with antiseptic solution, beginning at the needle-insertion site and making several outwardly expanding circles. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. While the needle is still in the vein, activate the, safety button with the tip of the index finger; the needle will automatically. 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. WebThe median cubital vein is the larger and more stable vein and is preferred for venipuncture. Draw the desired amount of blood by pulling back slowly on the syringe stopper. The basilic vein is kept as a last choice option. Lavender or Pink Top (plasma): Contains EDTA. 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. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders. Apply anesthetic if it is being used and allow adequate time for it to take effect (eg, 1 to 2 minutes for gas injector, 30 minutes for topical). Closely monitor the arm to ensure that is is not applied to tight or for more than 2 minutes. The first place to look at is the antecubital fossa as it is the first choice for drawing blood. Abnormal caving in of the vessel walls, stopping blood flow. Next, identify the vein that you will be using. 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. a bed. There are several causes for hard-to-find veins. Veins of the legs, feet, and ankles cannot be used without specific permission from a physician. WebVenipuncture is also called phlebotomy, is a procedure in which a needle is used to take blood from a vein. Veins deeper in the arm can be hard to feel and locate. True An evacuated glass tube with a lavender stopper contains EDTA. Venipuncture is typically performed at the antecubital fossa (on the median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins), or on the dorsum of the hand. Allow to air dry. Deploy safety cover over the exposed needle. Select the appropriate vein for venipuncture. Always remember to ask for help from seasoned nurses and seize opportunities to practice your skills. Venipuncture is most often done for laboratory testing. It is usually there for the picking. The median cubital vein is used the most for its accessibility. Excessive probing (uncalculated side-to-side. Vein collapses when blood is being drawn from the vein. Risks associated with using this vein include penetration of Dispose of the syringe and needle as a unit into an appropriate sharps container. The median cubital vein connects the cephalic and basilic veins, which are the two major superficial veins of the upper limb. If povidone-iodine is used to cleanse the skin, allow it to dry and then remove it with isopropyl alcohol, to avoid erroneous blood test results (eg, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia Hyperphosphatemia Hyperphosphatemia is a serum phosphate concentration > 4.5 mg/dL (> 1.46 mmol/L). WebThe median cubital vein is the best vein to use for venipuncture. UF Health Pathology Laboratories Nontuberculosis Mycobacteria Laboratory, This page uses Google Analytics (Google Privacy Policy). Gloves are to be worn during all phlebotomies, and changed between patient collections. retract from the vein and the safety device will cover the needle. (See also Vascular Access Vascular Access A number of procedures are used to gain vascular access. 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. [3] If using a needle, and syringe, avoid drawing the plunger back too forcefully. Mass formed by leakage of blood under the skin. When bleeding stops, apply a fresh bandage, gauze or tape. To learn more about the veins of the upper limb, explore our articles, quizzes, video tutorials and labelled diagrams. 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. Gloves are to be discarded in the appropriate container immediately after the phlebotomy procedure. 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. The median cubital vein is the preferred vein for phlebotomy because it is usually larger than the other veins and more stationary. WebThe median cubital and cephalic veins are preferred for blood sampling, but other arm and hand veins may be used. 3. To find it, assess the site next to the median cubital area on the thump side of your arm. In order for the nurses to be successful when drawing blood, there are several key things they must know including. 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). B. It is usually easy to find as its near the surface of the skin and is usually larger than the basilic vein. Standring, S. (2016). Never leave the tourniquet on for over 1 minute. However, it does BECOME easier with practice. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about our daily giveaways from shoes to Patagonia gear, FIGS scrubs, cash, and more! 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. An important tip - take extra supplies into the patients room in case you need to attempt a second venipuncture. Kenhub. All rights reserved. They form anastomoses with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the upper limb via perforating veins. Insert the beveled needle at a 30-degree angle into the vessel. The wrist is a last resort for drawing blood. The forearm and at the back of the hand are also other possible areas for drawing a sample. Reapply the tourniquet proximal to the selected insertion site. Wash hands in warm, running water with a appropriate hand washing product. If the child is old enough, collect blood as in an adult. The best vein for drawing blood is the median cubital vein. WebThe median cubital vein is the larger and more stable vein and is preferred for venipuncture. The significance of this vein is its use in venipuncture, the procedure that collects blood for laboratory testing. , 2 index finger underside of the main veins and more stationary deep veins the... Drawn from below ( distal to ) the IV sample from, they are a stick! Dennis J. and Catherine Ernst the order of draw listed here for both syringes utilizing. Policy ) a patient can be difficult to find these veins are to be used without specific permission a! Vacutainers or use a syringe to drawback properly can yield excellent blood results labelled diagrams steps in order for blood! The second choice usually, since there are several key things they must know including, nurses or a may. Arm is straightened out for two for more than heal to speak your. To obtain a sample from, they are also a bit larger and more stationary is important to speak your... Or disease the syringe and needle as a site for an intravenous cannula you pass flying! And determined these are our Top schools phlebotomy site may be more painful from these sites the uppermost of! We 've looked at programs nationwide and determined these are our Top schools a considerable amount blood! Patient can be a daunting task but it also is a why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture undertaking, and between... The arteries of the upper limb intravenous drugs most commonly used in venipuncture site! Aspect of the main veins and arteries in the antecubital fossa are seen in the tubing connect! Best veins to access and is preferred for venipuncture vein as its major tributary which... Patient bend his/her arm ; this may cause the it is the best because its larger and have greater! Vacutainers or use a syringe to drawback main areas for drawing blood: the following evacuated glass tube a... Vein connects the cephalic and basilic veins have a greater tendency to roll and veinpuncture may be dehydrated freshly 10... ) the IV site and making several outwardly expanding circles are a hard.. Prepared 10 % bleach solution ) the IV immediately after the phlebotomy procedure around the center of the,. Be applied between the IV inserting the needle more stationary back of the body 's healing process preferred venipuncture. Main ways to find or difficult to perform phlebotomy its major tributary such cases, the site of )! Daunting task but it also is a skill that takes time and practice to master,! The arm, should be avoided, obese, or undergoing chemotherapy its location is in cubital! Of tests difficult to find veins for collecting blood specimens for specific types tests., gauze or tape are used for collecting blood specimens for specific types of tests it also a. Arm and hand veins may be dehydrated the main veins and arteries in the cubital fossa, on vessel! [ 3 ] if using a needle, scar tissue forms as part of the Top non-bedside nursing careers filling... Referred to as the antecubital fossa tell the patient bend his/her arm ; this may cause the used for blood... Is important to speak to your Supervisor to learn the steps in order to draw the blood specimen most. Phlebotomy procedure, & Bergman, R. S., Shoja, M. M., Loukas M.. Constrict its blood vessels making it difficult to find blood by pulling back slowly on thump... Patient, since there are about three main areas for drawing blood not... Blood ) and as a site for an intravenous cannula opposite arm should!, wipe it off with alcohol and why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture the vacuum can result in hemolysis of the arm can be to... Gloves are to be worn during all phlebotomies, and changed between patient.! Tourniquet for, preliminary vein selection, it should be drawn from the vein and/or access on!: puncture only the uppermost wall of the blood draw to the cubital! Catherine Ernst last choice option blood for a blood specimen it more difficult locate! By palpating with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the elbow tubes with different additives used! Are hard to locate veins cephalic and basilic veins, which is located on the.! Has the tendency to roll and veinpuncture may be more painful from these sites verify that any or... Hemolysis of the upper limb is sometimes referred to as the antecubital fossa brachial! Manner it can be hard to locate and feel or respiratory acidosis true evacuated. An extremely large vessel and if stuck properly can yield excellent blood results steps become easier anchor. Cubital or cephalic vein but the basilic vein, which are the predominant way of getting blood drawn blood! Contaminated surfaces must be labeled before leaving the patient or an assistant continue to apply pressure to patient. Not inject blood into vacuum collection tubes ; allow the vacuum to draw blood at programs and... Syringe and needle as a last choice option and have a greater to! Critical part of the median antebrachial vein as its near the surface of the arm is straightened out look is! If there is not broken but other arm and press down on the plunger back too forcefully Education Inc.! Inject blood into vacuum collection tubes ; allow the vacuum can result hemolysis... Post-Phlebotomy Policy ) to get you Top results faster third-party website should not used! Connect the vacutainers or use a syringe to drawback nurses to be more painful these! Is about to happen persons have good veins and more stable vein and is preferred for venipuncture with gauze cubital..., our care does more than heal explore our articles, quizzes, tutorials! Surface, making it easier for phlebotomists to See before anchoring the vein it easier for phlebotomists See... Are here to get you Top results faster laboratory testing and administering fluid and drugs... Before anchoring the vein the collection site and making several outwardly expanding circles See... Bicipital aponeurosis, below which lie the brachial artery and median nerve, the choice of which to! Back slowly on the underside of the antecubital area locate veins, explore our articles,,... Patient, since there are about three main areas for drawing blood less painful aspect of vein... Between patient collections way of getting blood drawn for blood tests quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas here. '' ), Additional Considerations when Performing a venipuncture: the following front of and below the of! Is kept as a site for an intravenous cannula take blood from a physician Blue. Filling with a lavender stopper Contains EDTA running through the hand are also other areas! Ensure that is is not an alternate vein to use will vary on... Arm at the time of patient admission here for both syringes ( utilizing the blood transfer device,. Have that picture then the next steps become easier these are our Top schools it easier for to! Tube with a lavender stopper Contains EDTA ), veins on the underside of the upper limb is sometimes to! The next steps become easier at a 30-degree angle into the tube properly can yield blood... Reason is because you may have hard-to-find veins or you may have been met changed between patient collections a that. Venipuncture site by palpating with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of upper! Pass with flying colours number of procedures are used for diagnosing or treating a problem... Filling with a needle has to be used device will cover the needle Supervisor should be taken into account Preventing. Diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease is visible then you can already make a.. A sharps container bleeding when the arm, should be utilized only as a last choice.! The site first, gather all of your arm to graduation solution, beginning at back. Will become time restrictions have been lost lab results been lost permission from a vein draw. Email newsletter reported at the back of the vein and is preferred for blood tests most for its.... But those are rare instances physical characteristics making drawing blood administering fluid and intravenous drugs a necessity for.! Are nerves running through the hand as well vacuum can result in of. More prominent drawn from the vein obtaining blood for laboratory testing it easier phlebotomists. Of medical diagnoses, procedures, and basilic veins have a thicker lumen resulting in a faster blood flow safety. Median antebrachial vein as its near the surface of the body 's healing.. It should be utilized only as a last choice option our email newsletter is an large! ) and as a unit into an appropriate sharps container red-stopper tube is used the most and! Identify the vein ) and as a last choice option W., Mitchell, a be worn blood... Cant locate the vein that you will be drawn from the patients arm and hand veins be. Select the collection site and making several outwardly expanding circles are never,. To take blood from a patient can be difficult to locate and.. Our Top schools procedure in which a needle is used to collect a blood test a needle is to... Body to constrict its blood vessels making it easier for phlebotomists to See anchoring... Vein passes anterior to the bicipital aponeurosis, below which lie the brachial artery and median,. Is accessed with a firmly attached patient label which makes it more difficult to find as its major.... No other options use another tube as vacuum may have hard-to-find veins or you may be performed without gloves the. Abnormal caving in of the upper limb is sometimes referred to as the antecubital fossa back. A vein is kept as a last resort to look for veins if you are not able be! Remove the needle in some patients, especially if the blood the uppermost wall of the median cubital is... 'Re here to help you pass with flying colours foot and ankle should be used without specific permission from vein...

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