What veins should be used in phlebotomy?

Most Common Veins Used in Phlebotomy

  • MEDIAN ANTECUBITAL VEIN. The median antecubital vein is the most common for blood draws.
  • CEPHALIC VEIN. Located on the lateral portion of the arm, the cephalic vein is the second most common draw site choice.
  • BASILIC VEIN.
  • DORSAL HAND VEINS.

Which vein is preferred by most phlebotomists?

Major arm veins used for phlebotomy. The median cubital vein is the larger and more stable vein and is preferred for venipuncture.

What veins should you avoid?

While hand veins may be utilized for blood draws and intravenous infusions, veins in the feet and legs should be avoided for adults. Drawing from these sites can cause blood clotting and hemostasis.

What is the best site for venipuncture?

The antecubital area of the arm is usually the first choice for routine venipuncture. This area contains the three vessels primarily used by the phlebotomist to obtain venous blood specimens: the median cubital, the cephalic and the basilic veins.

Which site should you avoid for venipuncture?

Do not use the tip of the finger or the center of the finger. Avoid the side of the finger where there is less soft tissue, where vessels and nerves are located, and where the bone is closer to the surface. The 2nd (index) finger tends to have thicker, callused skin.

What vein should be avoided?

What veins are used in phlebotomy?

In this elbow pit, phlebotomists have easy access to the top three vein sites used in phlebotomy: The median cubital vein, also known as the antecubital vein, is the most common vein for phlebotomy. Located in the antecubital fossa, the median cubital vein is a well anchored, stable vein that rarely rolls during venipuncture.

Can a phlebotomist find a vein with a flashlight?

The phlebotomist may find a vein from the direct lighting of a flashlight rather than a standard ceiling light. Ask for assistance from another phlebotomist or medical professional. If you cannot successfully locate a vein on a hard stick patient, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

How does a phlebotomist draw blood?

As a countermeasure, phlebotomists anchor the vein with their hand to stabilize it for the draw. Phlebotomy is not a one size fits all; each patient is different and may have their blood drawn at other sites with varying needle sizes.

What is phlebotomy and how does it work?

Phlebotomy is the act of taking a blood sample from the vein of a patient for laboratory examination and analysis. It is a critical part of the health care world. Phlebotomists are specially trained in this technique and are able to procure blood from several different veins in the body.