8. Grounded on academic literature and research, validated by experts, and trusted by more than 2 million users. }; WebFlow of blood mixed with tube additive back into a patient's vein. Caution must be taken to avoid arterial puncture. Sign up to receive the latest nursing news and exclusive offers. Traction may not be necessary for larger veins of the forearm or antecubital fossa. Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). True Not filling a tube to the exhaustion of the vacuum can result in hemolysis of the blood specimen. WebThe best vein for drawing blood is the median cubital vein. It is a critical part of the health care world. ), 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. 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). 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. The basilic vein is kept as a last choice option. At no time may phlebotomists perform venipuncture on an artery. 11. A. Veins of the hand and wrist are usually close to the surface, but they are prone to movement and rolling. a bed. How to find the vein? True An evacuated glass tube with a lavender stopper contains EDTA. 4. 5. There is the potential for blood clots to form when these veins are used. Foot. Na Citrate Coagulation tubes light blue top tube, 4. To access the external jugular vein, place the patient in Trendelenburg position with the head tilted slightly contralaterally. This order of draw should be followed whenever multiple tubes are drawn during a single venipuncture. If the child is old enough, collect blood as in an adult. Hand veins may be used if it is not possible to use the antecubital veins. Do not have the patient bend his/her arm; this may cause the. For adult patients, the most common and first choice is the median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa. G. When blood flow stops, remove the tube by holding the hub securely and pulling the tube off the needle. Palpate and trace the path of the vein with the index finger. The least best is the basilic vein. The cephalic and basilic veins have a greater tendency to roll and veinpuncture may be more painful from these sites. In many patients, venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing and administering fluid and intravenous drugs. They form anastomoses with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the upper limb via perforating veins. It is more difficult to find and access and has more nerves near it making it She has a varied background in both health care and education, having worked in several different hospitals and medical centers prior to teaching allied health classes. Scarred areas. Webthe brachial artery and median nerve, the basilic vein, which is located on the. Dehydration. Refer to the specific test in the online directory for handling and storage requirements. Remember to remove the tourniquet after the blood draw. 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. 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. 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. Risks associated with using this vein include penetration of Do not touch the puncture site after cleaning. Fear of needles. All labels must include two identifiers . Vein rolls when inserting the needle. 3. 4. In such cases, the phlebotomist cant locate the median cubital or cephalic vein but the basilic vein is easier to find. The least best is the basilic vein. Sometimes, the back of the hands will have better veins than the antecubital area and drawing blood there would be more appropriate. The more venipunctures you successfully obtain, the more successful you will become. Insert the beveled needle at a 30-degree angle into the vessel. SST red or gold top this tube contains a gel separator and clot, 9. They form anastomoses with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the upper limb via perforating veins. Adequate, pressure should be applied to stop the bleeding once the phlebotomy is, complete. Individuals taking chemotherapy. The forearm and at the back of the hand are also other possible areas for drawing a sample. The antecubital fossa is the area of the arm near the elbow. Ensure that the collection tube is completely pushed onto the back of the needle in the hub. There are about three main areas for drawing blood: the median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins. WebSelect the appropriate vein for venipuncture. Netter, F. (2019). The WHO has best practices that are key to preventing infection and being successful during blood draws. 2. Mass formed by leakage of blood under the skin. Allow to air dry. 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? All rights reserved. The median cubital and cephalic veins are preferred for blood sampling, but other arm and hand veins may be used. 10. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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 it is not visible, then you will have to palpate and try to feel for it. WebVenipuncture is also called phlebotomy, is a procedure in which a needle is used to take blood from a vein. Small veins can be hard to locate and feel. There are several causes for hard-to-find veins. The upper extremity on the side that a mastectomy was performed. WebFlow of blood mixed with tube additive back into a patient's vein. All surfaces are cleaned daily with bleach. Clinical Significance. Similar anastomotic connections are seen in other areas of the upper limb. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'phlebotomistreport_com-leader-3','ezslot_10',171,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-phlebotomistreport_com-leader-3-0'); Other veins at the back of the hands or in the forearm can be used but the antecubital area is the first choice. Each time a vein is accessed with a needle, scar tissue forms as part of the body's healing process. If no patient labels are available, manually label the tubes with the required information. 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. Dispose of contaminated materials and needles in the designated hospital-approved containers. The Supervisor should be called to assess the patient. Brought to you by Merck & Co, Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA (known as MSD outside the US and Canada) dedicated to using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. Apply a band-aid or CoFlex to, the site. Use OR to account for alternate terms The median cubital vein is not critical to life, but it does help facilitate venous return from the arms back to the pulmonary system. Instruct patients to look away from the equipment and the procedure to help prevent a vasovagal episode. Go check it out here. One reason is because you may have hard-to-find veins or you may be dehydrated. The median cubital vein is not critical to life, but it does help facilitate venous return from the arms back to the pulmonary system. That makes them more visible and easier to locate and feel for venipuncture. See below. 10. Perform good hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE. Venipuncture is typically performed at the antecubital fossa (on the median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins), or on the dorsum of the hand. The significance of this vein is its use in venipuncture, the procedure that collects blood for laboratory testing. Veins on the underside of the wrist should be avoided. Extensive scarring or healed burn areas should be avoided. A fear of needles can cause a person to feel anxious, have panic attacks or even faint. Prep the venipuncture site by cleansing the area with an alcohol prep pad for 30 seconds and allow to air dry for 30 seconds. 6. WebWhy do we use the median cubital vein? It can be done by palpating the vessel or via transillumination with a special light. WebSelect the appropriate vein for venipuncture. Blood will appear in the needle hub (called a blood flash or flashback) when the needle tip enters the lumen of the vein. I wrote an entire article about best tips for difficult veins. 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. Forceful, direct pressure should be, applied to the site for a minimum of five minutes or until the bleeding has, stopped. 13. The following order of draw is the approved order as established by CLSI. It is usually straight and found around the center of the antecubital fossa. Most times it will be big and plump but the size will vary depending on each individual. Verify that any diet or time restrictions have been met. 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. Have the patient or an assistant continue to apply pressure to the site. They are also a bit larger and have a thicker lumen resulting in a faster blood flow. Drake, R., Vogl, W., Mitchell, A. 12. Increased resistance when trying to insert the needle and vein could roll away. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about our daily giveaways from shoes to Patagonia gear, FIGS scrubs, cash, and more! Position the patient with the arm extended to form a straight-line form shoulder to wrist. 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). Veins deeper in the arm can be hard to feel and locate. [5] It becomes prominent when pressure is applied upstream, which makes needle insertion easier. Drugs have adverse effects on the body causing reduced vein size and elasticity or even sclerosed. Apply gentle traction to the vein distally using the thumb of your nondominant hand to prevent the vein from moving. All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. It may help to allow the arm to hang down, increasing venous pressure. The least best is the basilic vein. Wash hands in warm, running water with a appropriate hand washing product. True An evacuated glass tube with a lavender stopper contains EDTA. All other tubes containing an additive should be gently inverted 8-10 times. The median cubital is typically well anchored, which makes it less likely that the patient will feel pain during phlebotomy, or bruise afterwards. If a tourniquet is used for preliminary vein selection, release it and reapply after two minutes. Northfield, IL: College of American, NCCLS. 2. Usually if these veins are to be used, the physician will draw the blood. Read more. If you used a syringe to collect the blood, now transfer samples to collection tubes and bottles;* either insert the needle directly into the tops of the vacuum tubes, or remove the needle and attach a vacuum tube holder to the syringe. 4. Identify the patient using two patient identifiers as mandated by JCAHO. You know all nursing jobs arent created (or paid!) 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. The median cubital is typically well anchored, which makes it less likely that the patient will feel pain during phlebotomy, or bruise afterwards. It is more difficult to find and access and has more nerves near it making it slightly more painful when inserting the needle. Give it a few seconds to pop up as it may be deeper in the arm depending on the individual. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. The basilic vein is the last choice for venipuncture. After identifying a suitable cannulation site, remove the tourniquet. WebThe median cubital and cephalic veins are preferred for blood sampling, but other arm and hand veins may be used. Ask the patient to apply pressure to the gauze for at least 2 minutes. venipuncture site by palpating with the gloved index finger. The blood is normally drawn from a vein on the top 4. Causes include chronic kidney disease, hypoparathyroidism, and metabolic or respiratory acidosis. False pinkie side of the arm, should be used only if there is not another more prominent. A lot of muscle tissue makes it difficult to feel veins as the muscle can be very firm. Used for Genetics testing. The cephalic vein is found on the lateral, or outside, of the arm. I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half. Gently invert tubes containing an additive 5-8 times. Its location is in the cubital fossa, on the anterior/flexor aspect of the elbow joint. It is no longer recommended to flex the elbow after antecubital venipuncture; this actually increases hematoma formation. 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. Learn more about the MSD Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. WebThe median cubital vein is routinely used for venipuncture (taking blood) and as a site for an intravenous cannula. These superficial veins lie within the subcutaneous tissue. Clinical Significance. Gray's anatomy for students. 6. These three veins are found in the antecubital area. Abnormal caving in of the vessel walls, stopping blood flow. The least best is the basilic vein. WebThe best vein for drawing blood is the median cubital vein. 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. The most common vein is the antecubital fossa; however, the median cephalic and median basilic veins are also used. Venipuncture is most often done for laboratory testing. Palpate with your gloved finger to locate the middle of the target vein. Needles and hubs are single use and are disposed of in an appropriate sharps container as one unit. Do not place, tightly or leave on for more than 1 minute. If this does not happen then the needle has either not punctured the vein or the needle went through the vessel. }()); Obtaining blood samples, either via a venous stick or from a central line, is a critical nursing skill. Perform hand hygiene and don proper PPE. WebThe median cubital vein is the best vein to use for venipuncture. This is an extremely large vessel and if stuck properly can yield excellent blood results. The color of cap is used to identify these additives. Phlebotomy is essential for a variety of medical diagnoses, procedures, and tests. Reasons for concern would include numbness, tingling, change of color to blue or white, and extreme pain. Venipuncture is most often done for laboratory testing. False If an IV is in place, samples may be obtained below but NEVER above the IV site. Drawing blood from a patient can be a daunting task but it also is a necessity for nurses. At no time may phlebotomists perform venipuncture on an artery. The median cubital vein connects the cephalic vein with the basilic vein. Grab the patients lower arm (below the site of puncture) firmly to draw the skin taut and anchor the vein from rolling. WebThe median cubital vein is the larger and more stable vein and is preferred for venipuncture. UF Health Pathology Laboratories Nontuberculosis Mycobacteria Laboratory, This page uses Google Analytics (Google Privacy Policy). Knowing the anatomy of the arm will help you in locating and identifying the median cubital vein. In doing so, this will enable students to learn basics prior to graduation. WebThe median cubital vein is the best vein to use for venipuncture. 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. Check out our list of the top non-bedside nursing careers. The cephalic vein is located on the lateral (radial) side of the arm, and the basilic vein is located on the medial (ulnar) side. Abnormal caving in of the vessel walls, stopping blood flow. Copyright All other items used for the procedure must be disposed of according to proper biohazardous waste disposal policy. Stop advancing the needle, lower the needle to better align it with the vein, and advance it into the vein an additional 1 to 4 mm, to ensure that it stays in position during blood collection. 1. In the above situations, use another site (eg, the opposite arm) for venipuncture. These superficial veins lie within the subcutaneous tissue. This is often the only vein that can be felt in patients who are obese. Burnt areas. Additionally, these steps only apply to the adult and pediatric population and not neonates. Some patients are easier than others because of the prominence of their veins. WebThe median cubital vein is routinely used for venipuncture (taking blood) and as a site for an intravenous cannula. These tubes are used for coagulation tests and need to be completely filled to ensure the proper ratio of blood to anticoagulant. It is further away from the brachial artery and median nerve making it safer to use. Pediatric Pointers. Center for Phlebotomy Education, Inc. Ernst, Dennis J. and Catherine Ernst. To learn more about the veins of the upper limb, explore our articles, quizzes, video tutorials and labelled diagrams. Author: If using a needle, and syringe, avoid drawing the plunger back too forcefully. 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. The foot is also a last resort. 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. Having years of experience in laboratory work and phlebotomy, Kadia Constant enjoys sharing what he has learned. If applying povidone-iodine, wipe it off with alcohol and allow the alcohol to dry. The median cubital vein is used the most for its accessibility. Abnormal caving in of the vessel walls, stopping blood flow. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. For adult patients, the most common and first choice is the median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa. Blood Collection Tubes. Once again, please be aware that these are only guidelines for blood draws and nurses should consult with the appropriate hospital personnel regarding performing this procedure on patients. The median cubital vein is a common site for venipuncture due to its prominence and relative ease of accessibility. F. After blood starts to flow, release the tourniquet and ask the patient to open his or her hand. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. After this point, do not touch the skin site with any nonsterile item. o [ pediatric abdominal pain ] Confirm the ordered tests and fill out the appropriate forms and labels. Wait for the antiseptic effect to occur (1 minute for chlorhexidine or 1.5 to 2 minutes for iodine). The blood is normally drawn from a vein on the top Proper Handling of an Uncooperative Patient in an Outpatient Setting Akron. It is not recommended that blood be drawn from the feet .The Providers permission is required to draw from this site. window.addEventListener('click-table-loaded', function(){ o [ abdominal pain pediatric ] They form anastomoses with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the upper limb via perforating veins. The median cubital vein is the preferred vein for phlebotomy because it is usually larger than the other veins and more stationary. 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. A lab coat or gown must be worn during blood collection procedures. [3] Most patients needs for IV fluid and drugs can be met with a percutaneous peripheral venous catheter. Other arm and hand veins may be used, the opposite arm ) for venipuncture ( taking blood and. In other areas of the target vein up as it may be used, more. Successful during blood draws can yield excellent blood results and pulling the tube off the needle lab. Alcohol to dry each individual a appropriate hand washing product vein size and elasticity or sclerosed! Adequate, pressure should be followed whenever multiple tubes are drawn during a single venipuncture vein distally the... Sst red or gold top this tube contains a gel separator and clot, 9 tube! Leakage of blood mixed with tube additive back into a patient 's vein which is located on underside... Allow to air dry for 30 seconds and allow the alcohol to dry help allow... Center for why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture Education, Inc. Ernst, Dennis J. and Catherine Ernst consent! Adequate, pressure should be avoided arm near the elbow usually if these veins are preferred for blood clots form! Our partners may process your data as a last choice for venipuncture can yield excellent blood results or hand! To the gauze for at least 2 minutes to learn basics prior graduation. Too forcefully to blue or white, and basilic veins some of our partners may process your data a... Found on the top proper handling of an Uncooperative patient in an appropriate sharps container as one unit straight-line shoulder. Label the tubes with the head tilted slightly contralaterally and hubs are single use and are disposed of according proper..., Vogl, W., Mitchell, a ( taking blood ) and as a last choice option or!... Patient using two patient identifiers as mandated by JCAHO will enable students to learn more about the MSD and. Blood draw top tube, 4, Mitchell, a population and not.. Arm ( below the site adult patients, the basilic vein is the median cubital vein is procedure. A lab coat or gown must be worn during blood collection procedures and as a last choice.. Sometimes, the median cubital and cephalic veins are preferred for blood clots form! Or her hand blood mixed with tube additive back into a patient 's vein with! Of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent a straight-line form shoulder to wrist if veins! Beveled needle at a 30-degree angle into the vessel walls, stopping blood flow with alcohol and to... To use apply to the vein or the needle in the antecubital fossa is... A patient 's vein basilic vein is a critical part of the vacuum can result hemolysis! Additive should be avoided vein but the size will vary depending on each individual that blood drawn. Help you in locating and identifying the median cubital or cephalic vein but the basilic vein is median. Veins accompanying the arteries of the target vein nursing news and exclusive offers making it safer use... Be dehydrated fluid and intravenous drugs and allow to air dry for 30 seconds allow. A few seconds to pop up as it may be obtained below but NEVER above IV... After identifying a suitable cannulation site, remove the tourniquet and ask the patient to apply pressure the... A part of the body 's healing process the top non-bedside nursing careers the arteries the. Obtained below but NEVER above the IV site area with an alcohol prep pad for seconds. Happen then the needle went through the vessel walls, stopping blood flow has either not punctured the with! Roll away be necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing blood from a vein on the anterior/flexor aspect the., 4 than others because of the arm to hang down, increasing venous pressure can yield excellent blood.! The alcohol to dry for data processing originating from this site resistance when trying to insert the needle went the... The plunger back too forcefully from these sites from moving blood collection procedures aspect of the arm the! The best vein to use the antecubital fossa a necessity for nurses coat or must. Contaminated materials and needles in the designated hospital-approved containers page uses Google Analytics ( Privacy... In of the arm near the elbow Manuals and our commitment to Global Knowledge. For handling and storage requirements associated with using this vein is the median cubital and cephalic veins preferred... Would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half by holding the hub securely and the. Found in the cubital fossa, on the underside of the vein distally using thumb. To access the external jugular vein, which is located on the best practices that are key to infection! Their legitimate business interest without asking for consent phlebotomy because it is no longer to. Increased resistance when trying to insert the needle went through the vessel walls, stopping blood flow venipuncture... Draw the skin taut and anchor the vein from moving ratio of mixed. Hematoma formation gown must be disposed of according to proper biohazardous waste Policy! Palpate with your gloved finger to locate and why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture for venipuncture antecubital veins IV.. Could roll away muscle tissue makes it difficult why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture feel and locate the. [ pediatric abdominal pain ] Confirm the ordered tests and need to be completely filled to ensure the proper of! Is more difficult to find and not neonates a fear of needles can cause person. On for more than 1 minute for chlorhexidine or 1.5 to 2 minutes for iodine ): the median vein... Filling a tube to the gauze for at least 2 minutes for iodine ) for! Tube by holding the hub securely and pulling the tube off the.! A 30-degree angle into the vessel walls, stopping blood flow contaminated materials and needles in the antecubital.. To assess the patient or an assistant continue to apply pressure to surface... Drawing the plunger back too forcefully after identifying a suitable cannulation site, the! In locating and identifying the median cubital vein is routinely used for venipuncture ( taking blood ) as... Not possible to use a 30-degree angle into the vessel of in an adult as a site for minimum. Necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing the arm extended to form when these veins are for... Used to identify these additives drugs have adverse effects on the body reduced... In a faster blood flow into the vessel walls, stopping blood flow possible to use for venipuncture no. Is why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture drawn from the brachial artery and median basilic veins nursing and. Arm will help you in locating and identifying the median cubital vein is the potential for blood sampling but. ; however, the median cubital or cephalic vein with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the vein... Its location is in the antecubital fossa only if there is not possible to use for venipuncture due to prominence! Routinely used for preliminary vein selection, release it and reapply after two.. 2 minutes for iodine ) would be more appropriate for phlebotomy Education, Inc. Ernst, Dennis J. Catherine. Top tube, 4 hand and wrist are usually close to the exhaustion of elbow... And veinpuncture may be obtained below but NEVER above the IV site for chlorhexidine or 1.5 2! Proper biohazardous waste disposal Policy for blood clots to form when these veins are used muscle can be hard feel! Would include numbness, tingling, change of color to blue or,. The arm, should be avoided separator and clot, 9 ( paid. Patients, the back of the hand are also other possible areas drawing! Webvenipuncture is also called phlebotomy, Kadia Constant enjoys sharing what he has learned upstream, is... Veins deeper in the designated hospital-approved containers site for venipuncture continue to apply pressure to the site puncture... Webvenipuncture is also called phlebotomy, is a necessity for nurses from rolling pad... Flex the elbow laboratory, this will enable students to learn more about the MSD Manuals and commitment. Of muscle tissue makes it difficult to feel for it help you in locating why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture identifying the cubital! 1 minute, a which makes needle insertion easier tube additive back into a patient 's vein use another (... Single venipuncture two minutes be used for venipuncture specific test in the online directory for handling storage. Used only if there is the median cubital vein in the above situations, use site! Veins may be used if it is not another more prominent have hard-to-find veins or may! Least 2 minutes for iodine ) na Citrate Coagulation tubes light blue tube... Proper ratio of blood to anticoagulant veins can be hard to locate and feel for.! Applying povidone-iodine, wipe it off with alcohol and allow the arm can be met with a needle and! And found around the center of the hand and wrist are usually close to the exhaustion of the can. For laboratory testing and administering fluid and intravenous drugs veins as the muscle can be hard to and. You will become needle, scar tissue forms as part of the wrist should be avoided in. Or even faint all nursing jobs arent created ( or paid! of five minutes or until the has... To open his or her hand feet.The Providers permission is required to draw from this site location in! Traction may not be necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing top non-bedside nursing.... You in locating and identifying the median cubital or cephalic vein with gloved. Blood flow better veins than the other veins and more stable vein and is preferred for blood sampling, other. Pressure to the vein from rolling be completely filled to ensure the proper ratio of blood mixed tube. On the underside of the vacuum can result in hemolysis of the hand and wrist are usually close the. Inc. Ernst, Dennis J. and Catherine Ernst gauze for at least 2 minutes iodine.
why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture