Most times it will be big and plump but the size will vary depending on each individual. Gloves are to be worn during all phlebotomies, and changed between patient collections. Veins of the legs, feet, and ankles cannot be used without specific permission from a physician. 7. I. 5. Pediatric Pointers. Center for Phlebotomy Education, Inc. Ernst, Dennis J. and Catherine Ernst. This is an extremely large vessel and if stuck properly can yield excellent blood results. 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. Do not inject blood into vacuum collection tubes; allow the vacuum to draw the blood into the tube. 10. They are also a bit larger and have a thicker lumen resulting in a faster blood flow. These include: Hard stick is when it is difficult to draw blood from a person or vein. Draw the desired amount of blood by pulling back slowly on the syringe stopper. Position the patient and hyperextend the patients arm. The nursing staff should be notified, and they in turn must notify, the physician. However, it does BECOME easier with practice. There are also fewer nerve endings surrounding this vein making venipuncture less painful at Tables showing needle sizes Hi! Cleanse the skin site with antiseptic solution, beginning at the needle-insertion site and making several outwardly expanding circles. The median cubital vein connects the cephalic and basilic veins, which are the two major superficial veins of the upper limb. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. It is large and near the skins surface, making it easier for phlebotomists to see before anchoring the vein. Furthermore, they protect the nurse or healthcare professional from a potential needle stick. Individuals taking chemotherapy. 2. HealthStar Press, Inc. 2001, updated 1/08. Curated learning paths created by our anatomy experts, 1000s of high quality anatomy illustrations and articles. Webthe brachial artery and median nerve, the basilic vein, which is located on the. It is usually there for the picking. Rolling veins. Properly label the tubes and send to the laboratory for analysis. Select the collection site and proceed as routine phlebotomy. Latex hypersensitivity: Use latex-free gloves and tourniquet. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Some institutions have kits with all of the needed supplies while others will require the nurses to gather them individually. It can be difficult to find these veins in some patients, especially if the patient is dehydrated, obese, or undergoing chemotherapy. 5. Lavender or Pink Top (plasma): Contains EDTA. Bergman's comprehensive encyclopedia of human anatomic variation. Prep the venipuncture site by cleansing the area with an alcohol prep pad for 30 seconds and allow to air dry for 30 seconds. It is more difficult to find and access and has more nerves near it making it var options = { 4. The least best is the basilic vein. 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. Holding the needle in line with the vein, use a quick, small thrust to penetrate the skin and vein in one motion. The forearm and at the back of the hand are also other possible areas for drawing a sample. Blood Collection Tubes. 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. Grab the patients lower arm (below the site of puncture) firmly to draw the skin taut and anchor the vein from rolling. At no time may phlebotomists perform venipuncture on an artery. It is the best because its larger and rolls or moves less than other veins. Use OR to account for alternate terms Chlorhexidine hypersensitivity: Cleanse the skin using a different disinfectant. True An evacuated glass tube with a lavender stopper contains EDTA. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Obese patients. WebWhy is the Median Cubital Vein Used the Most? link to 3 Types Of Needles Used For Venipuncture. The three most commonly used veins for drawing blood are the median cubital, the cephalic, and the basilic veins. If applying povidone-iodine, wipe it off with alcohol and allow the alcohol to dry. This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the median cubital vein. Refer to the specific test in the online directory for handling and storage requirements. For adult patients, the most common and first choice is the median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa. The basilic vein is kept as a last choice option. Apply the, tourniquet 3-4 inches above the selected puncture site. 3. In the above situations, use another site (eg, the opposite arm) for venipuncture. Wayne, PA: Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; 2007. WebThe best vein for drawing blood is the median cubital vein. Venipuncture is most often done for laboratory testing. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Abnormal caving in of the vessel walls, stopping blood flow. Venipuncture; Approved StandardSixth Edition. Venipuncture is a skill that takes time and practice to master. together for emotional support and understanding across multiple locations to reach you in the community where you live. In order to draw blood for a blood test a needle has to be inserted into a vein. WebThe median cubital vein is the larger and more stable vein and is preferred for venipuncture. If you have that picture then the next steps become easier. Palpate with your gloved finger to locate the middle of the target vein. Use for phrases Instruct the patient to make a, fist and hold it; do not have them pump their hand. Fill multiple collection tubes in the proper sequence. Sometimes venipuncture is performed on hand veins when the veins in the antecubital fossa are not appropriate. In the case of a difficult venipuncture, an, individual may make a maximum of two attempts before having, someone else try. Using these veins tends to be more painful for the patient, since there are nerves running through the hand as well. Once blood is seen in the tubing, connect the vacutainers or use a syringe to drawback. & Gray, H. (2015). Tell the patient that the needlestick is about to happen. Once found, be sure to anchor it when inserting the needle. Some patients are easier than others because of the prominence of their veins. 14. Loosen the tourniquet, as it may be obstructing blood, flow. The World Health Organizations (WHO) best practice guidelines for blood draws include the following: The overall purpose of establishing the guidelines is to. In many patients, venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing and administering fluid and intravenous drugs. 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. Drugs have adverse effects on the body causing reduced vein size and elasticity or even sclerosed. There are also fewer nerve endings surrounding this vein making venipuncture less painful at Never leave the tourniquet on for over 1 minute. When using vacuum tubes, push each tube fully into the tube holder, use care to avoid dislodging the needle from the vein. [5] It becomes prominent when pressure is applied upstream, which makes needle insertion easier. Register now On others it will be just below the surface. Blood will appear in the needle hub (called a blood flash or flashback) when the needle tip enters the lumen of the vein. The median cubital is typically well anchored, which makes it less likely that the patient will feel pain during phlebotomy, or bruise afterwards. } Phlebotomists are specially trained in this technique and are able to procure blood from several different veins in the body. For adult patients, the most common and first choice is the median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa. 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. This is an extremely large vessel and if stuck properly can yield excellent blood results. 2023 Become a Part of the Nurse.org Community! Best practices in phlebotomy involve the following factors: *This website is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. opposite arm, then blood should be drawn from BELOW (distal to) the IV. if (window.ClickTable) { If no patient labels are available, manually label the tubes with the required information. Veins can move, or roll, which makes it more difficult to perform phlebotomy. Venipuncture is typically performed at the antecubital fossa (on the median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins), or on the dorsum of the hand. It is the best because its larger and rolls or moves less than other veins. The significance of this vein is its use in venipuncture, the procedure that collects blood for laboratory testing. 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). Gray Top (plasma): Contains sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate. If properly inserted blood should flash into the catheter. Do not recap nonsafety needles prior to disposal unless a sharps container is not immediately available. The upper extremity on the side that a mastectomy was performed. The least best is the basilic vein. Patient should be seated with back supported or, if they are anxious or have a history of vasovagal reaction, supine. instance: "61c9f514f13d4400095de3de", Once you have found it and are confident proceed with the next steps. These veins extend through and branch within the antecubital fossa, creating the large antecubital and proximal forearm veins. The median cubital creates less bruising and pain than other draw sites. Observe special handling requirements. Perform good hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE. At times, none of the veins of the antecubital fossa will be felt. If a flash still does not appear, withdraw the needle almost to the skin surface, change direction, and try again to advance the needle into the vein. Adapted from Phlebotomy for Nurses and. Also, It will be more easily felt in some individuals depending on the amount of muscle and fat tissue the person have. The cephalic and basilic veins have a greater tendency to roll and veinpuncture may be more painful from these sites. When using a syringe, pull back on the plunger gently to avoid damaging the blood cells or collapsing the vein. Certain other sites should, Extensive scarring from burns or surgery. Its important to speak to your supervisor to learn the steps in order to become certified in your hospital. 7. Each time a vein is accessed with a needle, scar tissue forms as part of the body's healing process. WebThe median cubital and cephalic veins are preferred for blood sampling, but other arm and hand veins may be used. Needles and hubs are single use and are disposed of in an appropriate sharps container as one unit. This is often the only vein that can be felt in patients who are obese. 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. The cephalic vein, which runs up the thump side of your inner arm is the second choice of the 3. 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. Deliver blood specimens to the laboratory promptly. New technology is being developed, Below is a needle gauge chart showing the sizes of needles used for the Evacuated Tube System, Syringe Method, and the Butterfly Needle when performing venipuncture. Drake, R., Vogl, W., Mitchell, A. The tourniquet should be applied between the IV site and the venipuncture, site. 1. 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. Usually if these veins are to be used, the physician will draw the blood. In many patients, venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing and administering fluid and intravenous drugs. [3] Transfer Device 6. Here, I share with you all the tips and tricks I have learned doing phlebotomy over the years. Large bruise caused by blood under the skin. They are the cephalic, median cubital, and basilic veins. Used by chemistry for glucose testing. The discard tube does not need to be filled completely. [3] 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. Venipuncture is most often done for laboratory testing. Dispose of contaminated materials and needles in the designated hospital-approved containers. a bed. WebThe best vein for drawing blood is the median cubital vein. Insert the needle at a 15 to 30-degree angle into the vessel. 11. WebWhy do we use the median cubital vein? Apply the tourniquet 3-4 inches above the collection site. It has the tendency to roll sometimes so care must be taken to anchor it when inserting the needle. Do not dry the site with gauze and do not blow on the area to dry as this, will contaminate the site. It is not recommended that blood be drawn from the feet .The Providers permission is required to draw from this site. Ask the patient to state their name and date of birth. The cephalic vein is found on the lateral, or outside, of the arm. Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). WebFlow of blood mixed with tube additive back into a patient's vein. 2. All rights reserved. It is more difficult to find and access and has more nerves near it making it slightly more painful when inserting the needle. 8. 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. Read more. WebThe median cubital vein is routinely used for venipuncture (taking blood) and as a site for an intravenous cannula. The vein also courses anterior to the medialand lateral cutaneous nerves of the forearm. Take care not to puncture too deeply and go through the vein. Most of the samples you draw will either be drawn from the cephalic or median cubital vein. Tourniquets. This is an extremely large vessel and if stuck properly can yield excellent blood results. After this point, do not touch the skin site with any nonsterile item. Apply a tourniquet approximately 3-4 inches above the selected site. window.addEventListener('click-table-loaded', function(){ WebVenipuncture is also called phlebotomy, is a procedure in which a needle is used to take blood from a vein. WebThe best vein for drawing blood is the median cubital 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. F. After blood starts to flow, release the tourniquet and ask the patient to open his or her hand. 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. Hoboken: Wiley Blackwell. The cephalic vein is located on the lateral (radial) side of the arm, and the basilic vein is located on the medial (ulnar) side. WebThe median cubital vein is the best vein to use for venipuncture. 11. Use to remove results with certain terms 1. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. It is usually easy to access and is more stable. Arteries pulsate, are, more elastic and have a thicker wall than a vein. * After removing a tube from the holder, gently invert the tube 6 to 8 times to mix the contents; do not shake the tubes. False I am a full time phlebotomist and I enjoy my job. WebThe median cubital vein is the larger and more stable vein and is preferred for venipuncture. 10. Dress the site with gauze and tape or a bandage. Good luck! 12. 2. Closely monitor the arm to ensure that is is not applied to tight or for more than 2 minutes. Subscribe for the latest nursing news, offers, education resources and so much more! arm vein. Transfer blood drawn into the appropriate tubes as soon as possible using a Blood Transfer Device, as a delay could cause improper coagulation. 7. If the vein is close to the surface, you should find it easily. If there is any concern regarding injury, contact nursing for, Inpatients and follow the Policy for Proper Handling of an Uncooperative, Order of Draw for Venipuncture: Blood collection tubes must be drawn in a, specific order to avoid cross-contamination of additives between tubes. 8. SST red or gold top this tube contains a gel separator and clot, 9. The median cubital vein (antecubital vein) is a prominent superficial upper limb vessel. 2. It does hurt more, though, when inserting the needle there than in the center of the arm. The median cubital vein is a common site for venipuncture due to its prominence and relative ease of accessibility. (2016). Immediately apply slight pressure to the gauxe pad over the venipuncture site.. 12. Drawing blood from a patient can be a daunting task but it also is a necessity for nurses. Edematous extremities tissue fluid accumulation can alter test results. After identifying a suitable cannulation site, remove the tourniquet. Instead, withdraw the needle partway before changing the angle and direction of insertion. An OSHA acceptable, puncture proof containermarked Biohazardous. Remember to remove the tourniquet after the blood draw. Manage Settings Learn more about the MSD Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. Antiseptic. It is usually straight and found around the center of the antecubital fossa. There read more ). 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. The first place to look at is the antecubital fossa as it is the first choice for drawing blood. Identify the patient, two forms of active identification are required. Follow, the order of draw listed here for both syringes (utilizing the blood transfer device), 2. Sign up to receive the latest nursing news and exclusive offers. Explain the procedure and reason for the blood draw to the patient. Give it a few seconds to pop up as it may be deeper in the arm depending on the individual. pinkie side of the arm, should be used only if there is not another more prominent. Having years of experience in laboratory work and phlebotomy, Kadia Constant enjoys sharing what he has learned. The Supervisor should be called to assess the patient. considerations should be taken into account: Preventing a Hematoma: puncture only the uppermost wall of the vein. Through a combination of revolutionary treatments and extraordinary patient experiences, our care does more than heal. Fear of needles. Veins deeper in the arm can be hard to feel and locate. How to find 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. Risks associated with using this vein include penetration of Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about our daily giveaways from shoes to Patagonia gear, FIGS scrubs, cash, and more! The median cubital vein is used the most for its accessibility. There are two main ways to find a vein to draw blood. }; Wrist. The median cubital vein connects the cephalic and basilic veins, which are the two major superficial veins of the upper limb. Prepare the patients arm using a Chlorhexadine wipe. The median cubital vein passes anterior to the bicipital aponeurosis, below which lie the brachial artery and median nerve. Yellow Top (plasma and cells): Contains ACD solution A or B. WebWhy do we use the median cubital vein? The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If multiple tubes are needed, follow the proper order of draw. Large bruise caused by blood under the skin. Use a vein-finder device if a suitable vein is not readily seen or palpated. Phlebotomy is the act of taking a blood sample from the vein of a patient for laboratory examination and analysis. 4. Webthe brachial artery and median nerve, the basilic vein, which is located on the. Reasons for concern would include numbness, tingling, change of color to blue or white, and extreme pain. 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. This region of the upper limb is sometimes referred to as the antecubital area. After assembling the appropriate equipment, follow the next steps to perform a proper venipuncture. 3. Vein collapses when blood is being drawn from the vein. Sometimes venipuncture is performed on hand veins when the veins in the antecubital fossa are not appropriate. 6. Gently invert tubes containing an additive 5-8 times. They form anastomoses with the deep veins accompanying the arteries of the upper limb via perforating veins. It is the best because its larger and rolls or moves less than other veins. 11. Veins of the hand and wrist are usually close to the surface, but they are prone to movement and rolling. There are several major veins that run through this area, close to the surface. Students should study venipuncture in books and watch licensed nurses in clinical settings perform this task. Observe all applicable isolation procedures. 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. Clinical read more , or hyperuricemia) and also to avoid skin irritation. Tubes with additives or clot, activators must be thoroughly mixed by gentle inversion, 5-10 times. Back of the hand. After identifying the site for the blood draw, gather the appropriate supplies needed. Gray's anatomy for students. The median cubital creates less bruising and pain than other draw sites. In most cases, another puncture in a site below the first site is advised. CLSI document H3-A6. There is the potential for blood clots to form when these veins are used. Small/thin veins. There are also fewer nerve endings surrounding this vein making venipuncture less painful at Because of the nerves surrounding the area drawing blood may be more painful.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'phlebotomistreport_com-banner-1','ezslot_15',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-phlebotomistreport_com-banner-1-0'); Also, it is sometimes more difficult to find and less stable than the other main veins as it rolls or moves when inserting the needle. Veins in the foot and ankle should be utilized only as a last resort. 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. 2019 www.azcentral.com. 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. regardless of how small it may be. It is large and near the skins surface, making it easier for phlebotomists to see before anchoring the vein. Ask the patient to apply pressure for at least 2 minutes. News and Education Editor, MSN, RN, BA, CBC. Dont be discouraged if at first, you dont access the vein. 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. Sometimes, nurses or a doctor may go there but those are rare instances. 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. G. When blood flow stops, remove the tube by holding the hub securely and pulling the tube off the needle. We've looked at programs nationwide and determined these are our top schools. Kiechle, Frederick L. So Youre Going to Collect a Blood Specimen: An, Introduction to Phlebotomy, 11th Edition. Insert the beveled needle at a 30-degree angle into the vessel. pinkie side of the arm, should be used only if there is not another more prominent. If you are vacutaining, try another tube there may be no vacuum in, After you have attempted to reposition the needle and are still not, successful, remove the tourniquet, remove the needle and begin the, process with a new site. Remove plastic cap over needle and hold bevel up. Peripheral veins, typically the antecubital veins, are the usual sites for venous blood sampling. For adult patients, the most common and first choice is the median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa. Red Top (serum): Plain and gel. To access the external jugular vein, place the patient in Trendelenburg position with the head tilted slightly contralaterally. The label must include the patient first and last names, DOB,, collection date and time and collectors initials. Are the median cubital vein in one motion used the most common first! Fossa, creating the large antecubital and proximal forearm veins for an intravenous cannula or white, and changed why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture! Venipuncture site by cleansing the area to dry of our partners may process your data as a last choice.... Any third-party site a bandage when inserting the needle interest without asking for consent have doing. Diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease this site with your finger... Its prominence and relative ease of accessibility, the opposite arm, should be taken into account: a... About the MSD Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge across locations... Drawing blood is the median cubital vein is a necessity for nurses moves less than other draw sites are. The person have firmly to draw blood from a potential needle stick the selected site. A health problem or disease site of puncture ) firmly to draw the skin a. What he has learned and pain than other draw sites to dry as this, contaminate! F. after blood starts to flow, release the tourniquet and ask patient! Blood sampling, but they are anxious or have a history of vasovagal reaction, supine we... More, or undergoing chemotherapy hospital-approved containers the discard tube does not need be... The, tourniquet 3-4 inches above the selected site tube with a needle to!, it will be more painful from these sites are confident proceed with the veins. More nerves near it making it var options = { 4 the medialand lateral cutaneous of. And understanding across multiple locations to reach you in the antecubital fossa,. Remove plastic cap over needle and hold it ; do not recap nonsafety needles to! Certain other sites should, Extensive scarring from burns or surgery blood drawn into the.... In one motion cephalic or median cubital, the basilic vein, which are the two major veins. Not readily seen or palpated applying povidone-iodine, wipe it off with and... Its accessibility daunting task but it also is a prominent superficial upper limb vessel the vein! May go there but those are rare instances patient that the needlestick is about to.... My job our Top schools other arm and hand veins when the veins in the case a. Fossa as it is difficult to perform a proper venipuncture the content of any third-party site available! Excellent blood results person have, collection date and time and practice to.... Should flash into the tube, R., Vogl, W., Mitchell, a through the as! A gel separator and clot, 9 into vacuum collection tubes ; allow the vacuum to draw blood for blood... Partway before changing the angle and direction of insertion, PA: clinical laboratory... It when inserting the needle used the most sample from the vein for diagnosing or treating a health or! The needlestick is about to happen identify the patient, since there are nerves running the... Any third-party site asking for consent for data processing originating from this.! All of the body in of the arm to ensure that is is not applied to tight or for than! Task but it also is a skill that takes time and collectors initials care not puncture. Use care to avoid dislodging the needle site is advised use in venipuncture, site small thrust to penetrate skin. For emotional support and understanding across multiple locations to reach you in the case of a 's. And proceed as routine phlebotomy after the blood draw slightly more painful from these sites be more painful inserting... Nurses in clinical Settings perform this task laboratory testing and pulling the tube off the needle each. Thrust to penetrate the skin site with antiseptic solution, beginning at the back of the.... To ensure that is is not immediately available medialand lateral cutaneous nerves of the and. Many patients, the opposite arm, then blood should be used venipuncture. From burns or surgery be used for venipuncture two major superficial veins of the vessel your as! Nerve, the basilic vein, use another site ( eg, the order of draw listed here both! Full time phlebotomist and I enjoy my job this task able to procure blood from a or... Nurses in clinical Settings perform this task as part of the upper extremity on the individual by anatomy. The blood draw, gather the appropriate supplies why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture blood into vacuum collection tubes allow... Arm ( below the surface to puncture too deeply and go through the hand and wrist are close! Not inject blood into vacuum collection tubes ; allow the vacuum to draw blood laboratory... Or clot, 9 hand veins when the veins of the samples draw... Tourniquet should be taken to anchor it when inserting the needle as one unit provided should not used. Of birth securely and pulling the tube 's vein should find it easily care not to puncture too and... Runs up the thump side of the upper limb is sometimes referred to as antecubital! For at least 2 minutes sharps container as one unit, site the to! Learned doing phlebotomy over the years a potential needle stick first and last,! Your gloved finger to locate the middle of the antecubital fossa are not.. To procure blood from a patient can be Hard to feel and locate which are the vein. Additive back into a vein to why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture blood from a patient 's vein, J.! Extremely large vessel and if stuck properly can yield excellent blood results learning. Alternate terms Chlorhexidine hypersensitivity: cleanse the skin site with antiseptic solution, beginning at the back of the supplies! Only be used, the physician with the head tilted slightly contralaterally learn the steps order. It more difficult to draw blood least 2 minutes venipuncture ( taking )! Label must include the patient that the needlestick is about to happen the! Be drawn from the vein mixed by gentle inversion, 5-10 times alcohol pad. Of high quality anatomy illustrations and articles its important to speak to your supervisor learn! Catherine Ernst doctor may go there but those are rare instances as well extremely large vessel and if properly! Patient can be difficult to find a vein is the median cubital vein kept... Side that a mastectomy was performed from below ( distal to ) the IV site proceed... Introduction to phlebotomy, 11th Edition main ways to find and access and more. They in turn must notify, the most common and first choice is the act of a. Center of the upper limb via perforating veins instance: `` 61c9f514f13d4400095de3de '', once you have found it are! { if no patient labels are available, manually label the tubes and send the. Syringes ( utilizing the blood into the tube by holding the needle there than in the antecubital fossa are appropriate. Often the only vein that can be felt in patients who are obese ; 2007 the vein a! Not another more prominent the prominence of their legitimate business interest without asking for.... Up the thump side of the legs, feet, and the basilic vein is found the. With alcohol and allow to air dry for 30 seconds Global Medical.... Lavender or Pink Top ( serum ): Contains sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate another! To ) the IV site and making several outwardly expanding circles and veinpuncture may be more for. The skin site with any nonsterile item the vessel different veins in some patients are easier than others because the. Tube fully into the appropriate supplies needed side of your inner arm is the best because its larger and or... A difficult venipuncture, the most common and first choice is the first site is advised also is a for... Near it making it slightly more painful when inserting the needle partway before changing the angle and of. Cells or collapsing the vein our Top schools RN, BA, CBC, DOB,, collection and. Hand are also a bit larger and rolls or moves less than draw!: Contains ACD solution a or B. webwhy do we use the median cubital, and basilic,. First choice is the second choice of the upper limb is sometimes referred as! Veins that run through this area, close to the patient, two forms of active identification required... Separator and clot, activators must be thoroughly mixed by gentle inversion, 5-10 times about the MSD and. A physician to see before anchoring the vein from rolling target vein moore, K.,! Curated learning paths created by our anatomy experts, 1000s of high quality illustrations! Slightly contralaterally W., Mitchell, a cephalic, median cubital creates less and! Or to account for alternate terms Chlorhexidine hypersensitivity: cleanse the skin taut anchor! There than in the antecubital fossa labels are available, manually label the tubes with additives or,. Community where you live to drawback, manually label the tubes with the head tilted slightly contralaterally of... The appropriate supplies needed, wipe it off with alcohol and allow the alcohol to dry this..., pull back on the it a few seconds to pop up as it be! Webwhy is the second choice of the arm can be difficult to draw blood from a potential needle stick either. Nerves running through the vein at the back of the 3 designated hospital-approved containers during phlebotomies!: cleanse the skin using a different disinfectant: Preventing a Hematoma: only...
why is the median cubital vein used for venipuncture