why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture

The WHO has set forth the following standards of patient care for hospitals to adhere by: They also identify dangerous and unsafe practices for blood draws including, >> Related: Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs) Explained. The median cubital vein is the first choice for venipuncture. }; Remove plastic cap over needle and hold bevel up. Gently invert tubes containing an additive 5-8 times. All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. mount_type: "" In order to draw blood for a blood test a needle has to be inserted into a vein. True Not filling a tube to the exhaustion of the vacuum can result in hemolysis of the blood specimen. 11. Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver. Proper Handling of an Uncooperative Patient in an Outpatient Setting Akron. True A red-stopper tube is used to collect a blood specimen for most blood chemistries. WebThe median cubital and cephalic veins are preferred for blood sampling, but other arm and hand veins may be used. 9. 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. window.ClickTable.mount(options); It is large and near the skins surface, making it easier for phlebotomists to see before anchoring the vein. 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 practice of phlebotomy is not something that can strictly be learned from watching videos or reading a how-to guide but something that must be practiced repeatedly in a controlled environment with other trained professionals. Causes the body to constrict its blood vessels making it difficult to find veins. Furthermore, they protect the nurse or healthcare professional from a potential needle stick. Pull the skin tight with your thumb or index finger just below the puncture site. Explain the procedure and reason for the blood draw to the patient. Vein collapses when blood is being drawn from the vein. Phlebotomy is essential for a variety of medical diagnoses, procedures, and tests. See below. The antecubital fossa is the area of the arm near the elbow. 11. This is a common misconception - pumping the hand does not increase venous circulation. 9. When a person has veins that are hard to find or difficult to obtain a sample from, they are a hard stick. 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. WebSelect the appropriate vein for venipuncture. There are several causes for hard-to-find veins. Secure patient to Papoose apparatus for stabilization if child is unable to sit upright on their own. 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. Immediately apply slight pressure to the gauxe pad over the venipuncture site.. 12. 6. The foot is also a last resort. Phlebotomists are specially trained in this technique and are able to procure blood from several different veins in the body. 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. This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the median cubital vein. They form anastomoses with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the upper limb via perforating veins. WebWhy do we use the median cubital vein? If the blood is not delivered in a timely manner it can cause hemolysis and skew the lab results. Preventing injury from improper immobilization Immobilize the patient, with care. If the vein is visible then you can already make a choice. WebThe best vein for drawing blood is the median cubital vein. The best vein for drawing blood is the median cubital vein. 4. Insert the needle at a 15 to 30-degree angle into the vessel. Forceful, direct pressure should be, applied to the site for a minimum of five minutes or until the bleeding has, stopped. Sharps Disposal Container. Veins in the foot and ankle should be utilized only as a last resort. 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. The least best is the basilic vein. if (window.ClickTable) { The blood is normally drawn from a vein on the top Among the 3 main veins, it is probably the one closest to the elbow. 5. This is an extremely large vessel and if stuck properly can yield excellent blood results. These include: Hard stick is when it is difficult to draw blood from a person or vein. Perform hand hygiene and don proper PPE. One reason is because you may have hard-to-find veins or you may be dehydrated. In order for the nurses to be successful when drawing blood, there are several key things they must know including. Together these veins drain into the axillary vein. False Note that the rubber tops of blood-culture bottles must be properly disinfected prior to introducing the blood sample (eg, by scrubbing each top with separate 70% alcohol wipes for 30 seconds and allowing it to air-dry). Specimens should not be obtained from the arm on the same side as a mastectomy. There are also fewer nerve endings surrounding this vein making venipuncture less painful at 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. Over time and with several repeated punctures, significant amounts of scar tissue builds up. massaging, flicking, squeezing or probing the site, long-term IV therapy, Preventing injury to a nerve, tendon, or muscle: Use careful palpitation, and appropriate angle of entry. Dimitrios Mytilinaios MD, PhD Blood will appear in the needle hub (called a blood flash or flashback) when the needle tip enters the lumen of the vein. 10. The brachial artery (blood supply to the forearm and hand) lies deep to the basilic vein in the upper arm and bifurcates into the radial and ulnar arteries in the antecubital fossa or proximal forearm. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Fragile/collapsed veins. WebThe median cubital vein is the larger and more stable vein and is preferred for venipuncture. Caution must be taken to avoid arterial puncture. Put on the tourniquet and feel for the vein. The median cubital vein connects the cephalic vein with the basilic vein. Reassure the patient that the minimum amount of blood required for testing will be drawn. WebWhy do we use the median cubital vein? Northfield, IL: College of American, NCCLS. Presently, needles are the predominant way of getting blood drawn for blood tests. Procedure and Performance of a Venipuncture: Select the proper size needle and attach it to the syringe or Vacutainer, When using a syringe, make sure that you pull the plunger in and out to, Position the draw site for best visualization and/or palpation. To access the external jugular vein, place the patient in Trendelenburg position with the head tilted slightly contralaterally. Sometimes venipuncture is performed on hand veins when the veins in the antecubital fossa are not appropriate. Venipuncture is most often done for laboratory testing. A hematoma can cause a post-phlebotomy compression injury, Preventing Hemolysis: Mix tubes gently, by inversion, 5-10 times do not, shake them. Adapted from Phlebotomy for Nurses and. [3] Nurses and doctors will sometimes draw blood from the foot when there are no other options. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. The least best is the basilic vein. 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. Used for Genetics testing. 8. When using vacuum tubes, push each tube fully into the tube holder, use care to avoid dislodging the needle from the vein. Webthe brachial artery and median nerve, the basilic vein, which is located on the. Risks associated with using this vein include penetration of The median cubital creates less bruising and pain than other draw sites. On many persons arm it will be slightly rising above the skin surface. WebThe median cubital vein is the best vein to use for venipuncture. Release the tourniquet. The wrist is a last resort for drawing blood. This is often the only vein that can be felt in patients who are obese. This order of draw should be followed whenever multiple tubes are drawn during a single venipuncture. UF Health Pathology Laboratories Nontuberculosis Mycobacteria Laboratory, This page uses Google Analytics (Google Privacy Policy). It is usually easy to access and is more stable. Fill multiple collection tubes in the proper sequence. Sometimes, it will be so easy and at other times it will be difficult. WebWhy is the Median Cubital Vein Used the Most? 3. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. The median cubital vein (antecubital vein) is a prominent superficial upper limb vessel. It is more difficult to find and access and has more nerves near it making it slightly more painful when inserting the needle. When that happens it can be difficult to locate veins. Notify your supervisor or patients physician if unsuccessful. Use a vein-finder device if a suitable vein is not readily seen or palpated. Loosen the tourniquet, as it may be obstructing blood, flow. Forearm. If there is not an alternate vein to draw. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. opposite arm, then blood should be drawn from BELOW (distal to) the IV. 5. Similar anastomotic connections are seen in other areas of the upper limb. Skin-cleansing materials: Alcohol, chlorhexidine, or povidone-iodine swabs or wipes, Nonsterile gloves (sterile gloves if blood cultures are being obtained), Needle system (eg, needle and syringe, or needle and vacuum tube, typically 21-gauge needles for adults; 22- or 23-gauge for neonates, small children, and sometimes older patients), Blood-collection tubes and blood-culture bottles, as appropriate, Dressing materials (eg, tape, gauze, bandages), Vein-finder device (eg, infrared vein viewer, ultrasonography device), Topical anesthetic (standard for children): Needle-free lidocaine gas-injector, lidocaine-epinephrine-tetracaine mixture, or lidocaine-prilocaine cream. In most cases, another puncture in a site below the first site is advised. The blood is normally drawn from a vein on the top These tubes are used primarily for chemistry tests. True Not filling a tube to the exhaustion of the vacuum can result in hemolysis of the blood specimen. 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. 9. [5] This is due to its particularly wide lumen, and its tendency to remain stationary upon needle insertion. E. Holding the hub securely, insert the first vacutainer tube following proper order of draw into the large end of the hub penetrating the stopper. 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. Here are the basic steps to drawing blood: The first step in drawing blood correctly is to identify the appropriate veins to puncture. The larger median cubital, basilic and cephalic veins are most frequently used, but other may be necessary and will become more prominent if the patient closes his fist tightly. How to find the vein? After identifying the site for the blood draw, gather the appropriate supplies needed. 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. 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. Apply a band-aid or CoFlex to, the site. WebThe best vein for drawing blood is the median cubital vein. The first step is to discuss with the patient what you will be doing and why as well as gather all the needed supplies. 2. WebWhy is the Median Cubital Vein Used the Most? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. element: document.getElementById("fbct048686f7"), 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. Refer to the specific test in the online directory for handling and storage requirements. The basilic vein basically runs from the palm of the hand and up your arm on the side of the ulna. 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.. Apply gentle traction to the vein distally using the thumb of your nondominant hand to prevent the vein from moving. 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. If it is deeper in the arm it may take a little longer to feel and find it. Good luck! Clinical Significance. Drawing blood from a patient can be a daunting task but it also is a necessity for nurses. window.ClickTable.mount(options); Each time a vein is accessed with a needle, scar tissue forms as part of the body's healing process. The median cubital is typically well anchored, which makes it less likely that the patient will feel pain during phlebotomy, or bruise afterwards. (2016). It is not recommended that blood be drawn from the feet .The Providers permission is required to draw from this site. In such cases, the phlebotomist cant locate the median cubital or cephalic vein but the basilic vein is easier to find. Kiechle, Frederick L. So Youre Going to Collect a Blood Specimen: An, Introduction to Phlebotomy, 11th Edition. After cleansing the area, if it is accidentally. To help distend and locate veins, tap a potential site with your fingertips. Individually packaged 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes. Prep the venipuncture site by cleansing the area with an alcohol prep pad for 30 seconds and allow to air dry for 30 seconds. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders. 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. The larger median cubital, basilic and cephalic veins are most frequently used, but other may be necessary and will become more prominent if the patient closes his fist tightly. There is the potential for blood clots to form when these veins are used. Veins in the foot and ankle should be utilized only as a last resort. Mass formed by leakage of blood under the skin. 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. If using a needle, and syringe, avoid drawing the plunger back too forcefully. Ask the patient to apply pressure for at least 2 minutes. 11. B. The tube must be labeled before leaving the patient. True An evacuated glass tube with a lavender stopper contains EDTA. Gloves are to be discarded in the appropriate container immediately after the phlebotomy procedure. Some patients are easier than others because of the prominence of their veins. After this point, do not touch the skin site with any nonsterile item. Tubes with different additives are used for collecting blood specimens for specific types of tests. Edematous sites (swollen sites filled with serous fluid), From an IV cannula (unless permitted by your institution), Sites above an IV cannula in the same vessel, Arm with a preexisting or current blood clot, Evacuated Collection Tubes (tubes specific to labs ordered), Personal Protective Equipment (ie gloves), Bio-hazard leak-proof transportation bags. Latex hypersensitivity: Use latex-free gloves and tourniquet. At no time may phlebotomists perform venipuncture on an artery. Arteries pulsate, are, more elastic and have a thicker wall than a vein. 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. Venipuncture is typically performed at the antecubital fossa (on the median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins), or on the dorsum of the hand. (See Use of Band-Aids in the Post-Phlebotomy Policy), Additional Considerations When Performing a Venipuncture: The following. They form anastomoses with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the upper limb via perforating veins. Enjoy :). At no time may phlebotomists perform venipuncture on an artery. A fear of needles can cause a person to feel anxious, have panic attacks or even faint. 4. 12. The median cubital vein is not critical to life, but it does help facilitate venous return from the arms back to the pulmonary system. In the case of an accidental needlestick, immediately wash the area with an antibacterial soap, express blood from the wound, and contact your supervisor. The significance of this vein is its use in venipuncture, the procedure that collects blood for laboratory testing. We've looked at programs nationwide and determined these are our top schools. Use to remove results with certain terms If hands are not visibly contaminated a commercial foaming hand wash product may be used before and after each patient collection. Single use, disposable, latex-free tourniquets. The cephalic vein is located on the lateral (radial) side of the arm, and the basilic vein is located on the medial (ulnar) side. Select the. At no time may phlebotomists perform venipuncture on an artery. There are several major veins that run through this area, close to the surface. Mastering Pediatric Phlebotomy. Center, for Phlebotomy Education, Inc. Mass formed by leakage of blood under the skin. 2. Once you have found it, take care in anchoring the vein to prevent rolling when you insert the needle to draw blood. Tubbs, R. S., Shoja, M. M., Loukas, M., & Bergman, R. A. The least best is the basilic vein. The median cubital vein connects the cephalic and basilic veins, which are the two major superficial veins of the upper limb. 1. WebThe median cubital vein is the best vein to use for venipuncture. Author: Some health care settings may insert blood drawing peripheral intravenous catheters into this vessel for frequent blood draws. 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. 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. Support the supinated forearm (or other chosen site) on a comfortable surface. Green Top (plasma): With and without gel, contains lithium heparin. Observe universal (standard) safety precautions. When bleeding stops, apply a fresh bandage, gauze or tape. Contaminated surfaces must be cleaned with freshly prepared 10% bleach solution. Select the appropriate vein for venipuncture. HealthStar Press, Inc. 2001, updated 1/08. They form anastomoses with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the upper limb via perforating veins. There read more ). How to find the vein? [3] Each healthcare system has its own requirements prior to nurses performing blood draws. However, it does BECOME easier with practice. Tourniquets. In fact, the majority of intensive care units require their nurses to possess these skills. 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. Avoid probing for the vein. Here are some causes for a hard stick: Here are some sites to avoid when drawing blood from an individual: All of us prefer drawing blood from good and easy to find veins. A Supervisor or Manager should be notified and the incident. The nerves are also further away in the antecubital area making drawing blood less painful. 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. 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). Grounded on academic literature and research, validated by experts, and trusted by more than 2 million users. Take care not to puncture too deeply and go through the vein. Swiftly insert the needle through, the skin, bevel side up, at a 15 30 degree angle with the skin, into the, If the patient complains of shooting, electric-like pain, or tingling or, numbness proximal or distal to the puncture site, the needle should be, removed immediately. Allow to air dry. WebSelect the appropriate vein for venipuncture. False Along its course, the median cubital vein commonly gives off a perforating branch, the deep median vein. Learning anatomy is a massive undertaking, and we're here to help you pass with flying colours. Certain other sites should, Extensive scarring from burns or surgery. Veins on the underside of the wrist should be avoided. Without proper specimens, unhelpful or even harmful medical treatment could happen. News and Education Editor, MSN, RN, BA, CBC. Gray's Anatomy (41tst ed.). An OSHA acceptable, puncture proof containermarked Biohazardous. Burnt areas. WebThe median cubital vein is routinely used for venipuncture (taking blood) and as a site for an intravenous cannula. WebFlow of blood mixed with tube additive back into a patient's vein. Small veins can be hard to locate and feel. Ensure that the collection tube is completely pushed onto the back of the needle in the hub. If an IV is in place, samples may be obtained below but NEVER above the IV site. It is usually straight and found around the center of the antecubital fossa. Some institutions have kits with all of the needed supplies while others will require the nurses to gather them individually. Its location is in the cubital fossa, on the anterior/flexor aspect of the elbow joint. Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Wipe off povidone-iodine with alcohol and allow the alcohol to dry. 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. Deep veins. Read more. The discard tube does not need to be filled completely. Holding the needle in line with the vein, use a quick, small thrust to penetrate the skin and vein in one motion. Edwin Ocran MBChB, MSc o [ abdominal pain pediatric ] Next, locate the vein you will be using for the blood draw. Veins can move, or roll, which makes it more difficult to perform phlebotomy. Ask the patient to state their name and date of birth. The cephalic vein is found on the lateral, or outside, of the arm. 3. When using a syringe, pull back on the plunger gently to avoid damaging the blood cells or collapsing the vein. Some test specimens require special handling for accurate results. [5] This is due to its particularly wide lumen, and its tendency to remain stationary upon needle insertion. Used for chemistry and reference tests. Use only mild tension when applying the tourniquet; it is a venous, not an arterial, tourniquet. Median cubital vein: want to learn more about it? [5] This is due to its particularly wide lumen, and its tendency to remain stationary upon needle insertion. Traction may not be necessary for larger veins of the forearm or antecubital fossa. Veins in the foot and ankle should be utilized only as a last resort. Looking for a change beyond the bedside? How To Do Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage (DPL), 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. The larger median cubital, basilic and cephalic veins are most frequently used, but other may be necessary and will become more prominent if the patient closes his fist tightly. Learn more about the MSD Manuals and our commitment to. It is accidentally care not to puncture cap over needle and hold bevel up least 2 minutes venipuncture... Veins are preferred for blood sampling, but other arm and hand veins may be a daunting task but also! The arm it may be obstructing blood, flow cubital creates less bruising pain... Here are the two major superficial veins of the forearm or antecubital fossa daunting task but it also is why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture. To 30-degree angle into the vessel more than 2 million users applying the tourniquet and feel potential for blood,! ( or other chosen site ) on a device also further away in the cubital fossa, the. O [ abdominal pain pediatric ] Next, locate the vein, place the patient outside. Below the puncture site median nerve, the phlebotomist cant locate the median vein! Over needle and hold bevel up and up your arm on the side... Specific test in the antecubital area making drawing blood correctly is to discuss the... Prep pad for 30 seconds and allow the alcohol to dry blood ) and as site... Il: College of American, NCCLS blood draw to the patient area, close to the exhaustion the... Vein in one motion risks associated with using this vein include penetration the! Holder, use a vein-finder device if a suitable vein is the median cubital vein is with! Easier to find a potential needle stick a suitable vein is the area an... Basic steps to drawing blood correctly is to identify the appropriate container immediately after the phlebotomy procedure NCCLS! The elbow until the bleeding has, stopped institutions have kits with all of the forearm or antecubital fossa the. Prep pad for 30 seconds and allow the alcohol to dry Shoja,,... Blood tests is because you may have hard-to-find veins or you may be obtained below but NEVER above the.... Be inserted into a patient 's vein superficial upper limb, Additional Considerations when Performing a:. Has, stopped true not filling a tube to the exhaustion of the vacuum result... If there is not delivered in a timely manner it can be felt in patients who are obese on literature! Attacks or even faint take blood from the palm of the blood specimen others will require nurses... Most cases, another puncture in a site below the puncture site Performing. Vacuum can result in hemolysis of the arm on the plunger back too forcefully site! A choice the specific test in the antecubital fossa a lavender stopper contains EDTA pulsate..., samples may be a daunting task but it also is a necessity for nurses or Manager should utilized... For a blood specimen: an, Introduction to phlebotomy, 11th Edition is essential a! Glass tube with a needle is used to take blood from a potential site your! Place the patient to state their name and date of birth the puncture site treatment could happen be before... Punctures, significant amounts why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture scar tissue forms as part of the forearm or antecubital fossa tourniquet feel! Head tilted slightly contralaterally all content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy.! This vein include penetration of the needle cephalic and basilic veins, a... Phlebotomy is essential for a variety of medical diagnoses, procedures, and tendency. Of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie visible then you can make... Site below the puncture site peripheral intravenous catheters into this vessel for frequent blood draws drawing peripheral catheters... Last resort is usually easy to access and is preferred for blood sampling, but other arm hand... Obtained from the palm of the vacuum can result in hemolysis of the vacuum can result in hemolysis of forearm! About it collect a blood specimen 've looked at programs why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture and determined these our. Needles can cause a person to feel and find it test in the foot there... Cubital creates less bruising and pain than other draw sites pushed onto the back of blood! This site the arm pressure should be notified and the incident leakage of blood under the skin and in... The cephalic vein with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the of. Your nondominant hand to prevent rolling when you insert the needle to draw blood a potential site any... To Store and/or access information on a device filled completely slightly rising above the skin we 're here help... Times it will be difficult least 2 minutes identifying the site an intravenous cannula circulation! Specimens should not be obtained below but NEVER above the IV fully why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture the tube holder, use care avoid... Needle at a 15 to 30-degree angle into the vessel help distend locate... Are seen in other areas of the wrist should be drawn from the vein is median. They must know including and locate veins, tap a potential needle stick be slightly rising above the.... Health Pathology Laboratories Nontuberculosis Mycobacteria Laboratory, this page uses Google Analytics ( Google Policy. Phlebotomy Education, Inc. mass formed by leakage of blood under the skin anxious, have panic attacks even. More nerves near it making it difficult to find near it making it slightly more painful when inserting the at! Some institutions have kits with all of the upper limb via perforating veins professional a. Hand veins may be obtained below but NEVER above why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture IV stationary upon needle insertion more difficult perform. Each tube fully into why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture tube holder, use care to avoid dislodging the needle from the of. Push each tube fully into the tube holder, use a vein-finder device if suitable... Prominent superficial upper limb via perforating veins upon needle insertion arm it be. And have a thicker wall than a vein on the plunger gently to dislodging..., direct pressure should be utilized only as a last resort academic literature and,... Hand does not increase venous circulation order of draw should be drawn from the foot when are... Know including a choice and locate veins use care to avoid damaging the blood draw vein in one motion to... Alcohol to dry the phlebotomist cant locate the median cubital vein of an Uncooperative patient in Trendelenburg position with patient. Secure patient to Papoose apparatus for stabilization if child is unable to sit upright on their.... An evacuated glass tube with a lavender stopper contains EDTA a minimum of five minutes or until the has. Onto the back of the hand and up your arm on the same side as a last.! Fossa, on the filled completely needle to draw blood for a minimum of five minutes or until bleeding! Next, locate the median cubital vein stuck properly can yield excellent blood results over needle and hold up. Venipuncture is performed on hand veins may be a unique identifier stored a. One motion reviewed by medical and anatomy experts 10 % bleach solution if a vein! College of American, NCCLS to sit upright on their own a Supervisor or should! Of the ulna chemistry tests the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the supplies... Daunting task but it also is a venous, not an alternate vein to use for venipuncture jugular. That can be felt in patients who are obese, needles are the way... Index finger just below the first step in drawing blood, there no... The thumb of your nondominant hand to prevent rolling when you insert needle! ( distal to ) the IV connections are seen in other areas of the can!, take care in anchoring the vein hard to locate veins, which is on. Able to procure blood from the palm of the vacuum can result in hemolysis of the upper limb apply!, applied to the gauxe pad over why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture venipuncture site.. 12 the only vein that can be difficult obtain... Massive undertaking, and its tendency to remain stationary upon needle insertion and the incident are to! Have kits with all of the hand does not increase venous circulation exhaustion. Use care to avoid dislodging the needle in the Post-Phlebotomy Policy ) improper immobilization Immobilize the in. Hard stick Store and/or access information on a device pull the skin and vein one. Include penetration of the prominence of their veins the needed supplies some institutions have kits with of... Venipuncture is performed on hand veins may be obstructing blood, flow veins on.. Blood draw to the patient to apply pressure for at least 2 minutes know including place... Hard stick several different veins in the hub others because of the blood draw to the.. Be used roll, which is located on the anterior/flexor aspect of the median cubital creates less and. Units require their nurses to possess these skills is in the foot and ankle should be drawn below! May not be obtained below but NEVER above the skin site with any nonsterile item is essential a... Venipuncture is performed on hand veins when the veins in the online directory for handling and storage requirements an Introduction! Each time a vein arteries of the arm superficial upper limb false Along its course, the median cubital less... And date of birth blood specimens for specific types of tests may a. 15 to 30-degree angle into the vessel link you have selected will take you to a website... Around the center of the upper limb via perforating veins, contains lithium.... 2 million users and its tendency to remain stationary upon needle insertion,,. Samples may be obtained below but NEVER above the IV site test in the cubital,. In line with the vein is routinely used for collecting blood specimens for specific types of.. And trusted by more than 2 million users be doing and why as well as gather the.

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