What veins are best for drawing blood?

The median cubital vein is the first choice for blood draws because it has a decreased proximity to arteries and nerves in the arm. The more lateral cephalic vein is the second choice and the basilic vein in the medial arm is the last choice.

Where can you draw blood from?

Blood is most commonly obtained from the superficial veins of the upper limb. The median cubital vein, which lies within the cubital fossa anterior to the elbow, is close to the surface of the skin without many large nerves positioned nearby.

Why don’t we draw blood from arteries?

Puncture of an artery may be more uncomfortable than puncture of a vein. This is because arteries are deeper than veins. Arteries also have thicker walls and have more nerves.

What veins should you avoid?

What Areas Should You Avoid Drawing From? 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.

How long does it take to hydrate your veins?

How long does it take to draw blood? If your veins are easy to access, it usually takes less than three minutes to have blood taken. 1 If you have small veins or are dehydrated, it may take longer or more than one try to properly place the needle, but the procedure should still only take a few minutes.

Why is tapping of the vein not recommended?

Light tapping of the vein may be useful but can be painful and may result in the formation of haematoma in patients with fragile veins (Dougherty, 1999). ‘Smacking’ the vessels may cause histamine release.

What if you can’t find a vein?

Tips and Tricks for Accessing Problem Veins

1. Get warm. When the body is warm, blood flow increases, dilating the veins and making them easier to find and stick.
2. Use gravity. Increase blood flow to your arm and hand by letting gravity do the work.
3. Hydrate. When the body is properly hydrated, veins become more dilated.
4. Relax.

What are the name of the veins you use to draw blood?

Other options: Blood can be drawn from any available vein in the arm including the hand, forearm and inner elbow area. In rare instances and in urgent circumstances blood can even be drawn from the vein in the groin but this is not done as a routine.

What vein is blood drawn from when donating blood?

The blood is drawn from a large arm vein close to the skin, usually the median cubital vein on the inside of the elbow. The skin over the blood vessel is cleaned with an antiseptic such as iodine or chlorhexidine to prevent skin bacteria from contaminating the collected blood and also to prevent infections where the needle pierced the donor’s skin.

Does having blood drawn from a vein hurt?

The pain or discomfort of a blood draw can increase in cases when a doctor or nurse makes repeated attempts to puncture a suitable vein. This is often the case with children or elderly patients, in patients whose veins are unusually thin, or those who have low blood pressure.

How do you draw veins?

Tap your fingers over the area to raise the vein. You may also apply a warm cloth to the arm, as this also will help draw out a vein. Instruct the patient to hang both arms down to allow blood to flow more freely into the veins. Choose the arm that has the most pronounced veins.