Phlebotomy: The Veins Used for Venipuncture

Summary

In this video, the speaker covers the essentials of performing venous blood draws, focusing on the median cubital and cephalic veins as the primary sites. They explain the importance of identifying the best veins for successful blood collection, emphasizing the use of the tourniquet, vein palpation, and avoiding veins near nerves to minimize patient discomfort. Alternative sites like the hands or capillary heel sticks for infants are also mentioned. The video provides practical tips for proper technique, with a follow-up on tourniquet application and venipuncture procedures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Venous blood draws are the focus, not arterial blood draws (which are for blood gases).
• 😀 The main veins used for blood draws are the median cubital vein and the median cephalic vein.
• 😀 The median cubital vein is typically the first choice because it is more stationary and less painful for the patient.
• 😀 The median cubital vein is often the most prominent vein in the fold of the arm, making it easier to locate.
• 😀 If the median cubital vein is not suitable, the cephalic vein is the next option for a venous blood draw.
• 😀 If no veins can be located in the arm, blood can be drawn from veins in the hands.
• 😀 For infants under one year old, a capillary heel stick is used, performed on the edge of the heel.
• 😀 For children over one year old, you can use the fingertips for blood draws.
• 😀 Elderly patients or adults with difficult venous access can also have blood drawn from their fingertips or hands.
• 😀 Certain veins near the wrist should not be used due to their proximity to nerves, which can cause complications or pain.
• 😀 Proper placement of the tourniquet is essential (3-4 inches above the draw site), and veins should be checked for suitability before attempting the draw.

Q & A

What is the primary type of blood draw discussed in the video?

The primary focus is on venous blood draws, specifically for regular blood tests, excluding arterial blood draws which are primarily used for blood gases.

Which veins are primarily used for venous blood draws?

The two main veins discussed are the median cubital vein and the median cephalic vein.

Why is the median cubital vein preferred for blood draws?

The median cubital vein is preferred because it is more stationary, less painful for the patient, and easier to access. It's typically the most prominent vein in the fold of the arm.

What should be done if the median cubital vein cannot be accessed?

If the median cubital vein cannot be used, the next option is to attempt using the cephalic vein.

What are the options if both the median cubital and cephalic veins are inaccessible?

If both veins are inaccessible, the blood draw can be attempted from veins on the tops of the hands.

How is blood drawn from babies who are less than one year old?

For babies under one year old, a capillary puncture (heel stick) is used, typically on the heel's edges.

What is the method for blood draws in children older than one year?

For children over one year old, blood can be drawn from the fingertips or, if necessary, the hands or arms.

Why should veins near the wrist be avoided for blood draws?

Veins near the wrist should be avoided because they are close to nerves, which could lead to complications or unnecessary pain for the patient.

Why is it important to know the location of veins before drawing blood?

Knowing the vein locations helps determine where to place the tourniquet, which is crucial for making the veins more prominent and accessible during the blood draw.

What should be done if a vein feels hard or knotted during the assessment?

If a vein feels hard or knotted, it is not advisable to use that vein for the blood draw as it may be difficult or painful for the patient.