When puncturing the cephalic vein is difficult because it is not visible, the median cubital vein at the cubital fossa is selected for venipuncture because of its cross-sectional area and visibility; however, care is needed to avoid penetrating the vein because the median nerve and brachial artery are present …
Which vein is the first choice 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.
What is the most preferred site for venipuncture?
The most site for venipuncture is the antecubital fossa located in the anterior elbow at the fold. This area houses three veins: the cephalic, median cubital, and basilic veins (Figure 1).
Which 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 is the second most common complication of venipuncture?
Results: Minor bruising and hematoma were fairly common, involving 12.3% of venipunctures, with minor bruising being the most common reaction. Serious complications were observed in 3.4% of patients. Diaphoresis with hypotension occurred in 2.6%. Syncope occurred in less than 1% of patients.
Which vein is the last choice for venipuncture?
Also found in the antecubital fossa, the basilic vein serves as a last resort for blood draws. It is not as close to the skin surface as the median cubital and cephalic veins, which poses a greater risk of damage to the median nerve and brachial artery.
What are the 3 main veins to draw blood?
3.05.
The most site for venipuncture is the antecubital fossa located in the anterior elbow at the fold. This area houses three veins: the cephalic, median cubital, and basilic veins (Figure 1).
How many failed attempts at venipuncture are allowed?
Only two attempts should be made to obtain a blood sample from the patient, using new equipment on each occasion. If second attempt is unsuccessful, a different competent practitioner may attempt phlebotomy one more time from a different site. A maximum of three attempts should be made at any one time.
When should the tourniquet be removed from the arm in a venipuncture procedure?
Once sufficient blood has been collected, release the tourniquet BEFORE withdrawing the needle. Some guidelines suggest removing the tourniquet as soon as blood flow is established, and always before it has been in place for two minutes or more.
What is the best vein to anchor in the arm?
The median antecubital vein is the most common for blood draws. It is in the inner arm, anterior of the elbow joint. This vein is associated with minimal pain and is the most prominent when anchored. Located on the lateral portion of the arm, the cephalic vein is the second most common draw site choice.
Can you draw blood from the basilic vein?
Basilic vein which is located Third choice for venipuncture In many patients this vein may not be well Syringe draw should be considered as it gives the on the under side of the in the antecubital area. anchored and will roll, making it difficult to phlebotomist more control over a rolling vein. arm.
How would you handle a blood draw on an unconscious patient?
If a patient faints during the venipuncture, immediately abort the procedure by gently removing the tourniquet and needle from the patient’s arm, apply gauze and pressure to the skin puncture site and call for assistance. If the patient is seated, place the patient’s head between his/her knees.
What is the most common antiseptic used in routine venipuncture is?
Antiseptics are used to clean the patient’s skin before routine venipuncture collection in order to prevent contamination by normal skin bacteria. The most commonly used antiseptic is 70% isopropyl alcohol.
How long can the tourniquet remain on the arm during the venipuncture?
Remember that the tourniquet shouldn’t be on for more than 1 minute because it can change the blood composition. If you’re drawing multiple tubes, it’s acceptable to keep the tourniquet on when you place a new tube as long as the total tourniquet time remains less than 1 minute.
How do I make my veins better for blood draw?
Tips and Tricks for Accessing Problem Veins
- Get warm. When the body is warm, blood flow increases, dilating the veins and making them easier to find and stick. …
- Use gravity. Increase blood flow to your arm and hand by letting gravity do the work. …
- Hydrate. When the body is properly hydrated, veins become more dilated. …
- Relax.
How do you know if you hit an artery instead of a vein?
You’ll know you hit an artery if: The plunger of your syringe is forced back by the pressure of the blood. When you register, the blood in your syringe is bright red and ‘gushing. ‘ Blood in veins is dark red, slow-moving, and “lazy.”
What does it mean when no blood comes out of your veins?
The most common causes of venous insufficiency are previous cases of blood clots and varicose veins. When forward flow through the veins is obstructed — such as in the case of a blood clot — blood builds up below the clot, which can lead to venous insufficiency.
What is the proper direction of blood flow?
Blood flows from the right atrium into the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve. When the ventricle is full, the tricuspid valve shuts to prevent blood flowing backwards into the atrium. Blood leaves the heart through the pulmonic valve into the pulmonary artery and flows to the lungs.
At what angle should the venipuncture needle be inserted?
Grab the patient’s lower arm (below site of puncture) firmly to draw the skin taut and anchor the vein from rolling. Insert the needle at a 15 to 30-degree angle into the vessel. If properly inserted, blood should flash into the catheter.
What is the most important step in phlebotomy?
Venipuncture is the process of collecting or “draw- ing” blood from a vein and the most common way to collect blood specimens for laboratory testing. It is the most frequent procedure performed by a phle- botomist and the most important step in this proce- dure is patient identification.
What is the most common complication of phlebotomy?
Hematoma: The most common complication of phlebotomy procedure.
What is the term that is used when a patient experiences nerve pain due to venipuncture?
Radial Nerve Injury after Venipuncture.
What can go wrong during a blood draw?
Complications during the blood collection
- Fainting during the collection of the blood: The patients feel dizziness, and this may happen during or after the collection of blood. …
- Hematoma: …
- The patients on anticoagulant therapy: …
- Allergies: …
- Hypersensitivity Reaction: …
- Infection: …
- Pain due to nerve involvement: …
- Phlebitis: