It is the collection of blood from veins. It is most often performed for the purpose of laboratory testing. It is done with a needle, and typically performed by a phlebotomist. Venipuncture may also be performed in order to remove extra red blood cells from the blood, to treat various blood disorders.

Why is a venipuncture performed?

Venipuncture is a routine procedure that's typically performed for one of the following reasons: To acquire blood samples for diagnostic purposes. To monitor levels of various blood components. To administer therapeutic treatments intravenously, including medications, nutrition, or chemotherapy.

What is the purpose of blood draw?

A procedure in which a needle is used to take blood from a vein, usually for laboratory testing. A blood draw may also be done to remove extra red blood cells from the blood, to treat certain blood disorders. Also called phlebotomy and venipuncture.

Why do you have to draw blood from veins?

A blood draw is needed for many different types of tests that your doctor, school, or work may require. They can provide information on your immunity levels, if you have a disease or a diseases progress, and the level of certain things in your blood.

Why is venipuncture preferred?

One of the disputable concepts, especially in the minds of physicians, is that blood obtained by venipuncture renders a more accurate representa- tion of the patient's circulating blood that that obtained by skin puncture.

Venepuncture - How to take a blood sample - OSCE Guide

24 related questions found

Why is it important to anchor the vein?

Anchoring the vein is particularly important when drawing from the cephalic or basilic veins. Stretching the skin is the single most effective way to minimize the pain of the puncture.

Why is venous blood used in most Test?

Venous blood is a good indicator of the physiological conditions throughout the body. It is also relatively easy to obtain. Therefore, venous blood is used most frequently for testing. Be sure to collect the specimen in the correct blood tube.

Why do they take blood from veins and not arteries?

Veins are favored over arteries because they have thinner walls, and thus they are easier to pierce. There is also lower blood pressure in veins so that bleeding can be stopped more quickly and easily than with arterial puncture.

Why don't they 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 does drawn blood mean?

1 : to take blood from a person's body for medical reasons We need to draw some blood to test you for the virus. 2 : to cause blood to flow from a person's body The punch to the nose drew blood.

What is phlebotomy used to treat?

Phlebotomy is the removal of blood from the body, and therapeutic phlebotomy is the preferred treatment for blood disorders in which the removal of red blood cells or serum iron is the most efficient method for managing the symptoms and complications.

Why is blood drawn in a lab?

Also called a blood draw or venipuncture, it's an important tool for diagnosing many medical conditions. Usually the blood is sent to a laboratory for testing. But sometimes the blood is withdrawn as a treatment for certain medical conditions. This is called therapeutic phlebotomy.

How is venipuncture performed?

A needle is inserted into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. The needle is taken out and the spot is covered with a bandage to stop bleeding.

Why is blood drawn from the arm?

Usually this is in your arm. Usually, they are able to identify a vein that is easily accessible. Clenching your fist, when you are asked to, helps make the vein more prominent. They will draw off a small amount of blood and it will run into tubes to send to the laboratory.

What happens when you draw blood from an artery?

Collecting blood from an artery is more painful than collecting it from a vein. That's because the arteries are deeper and are surrounded by nerves. You may feel light-headed, faint, dizzy, or nauseated while the blood is being taken from your artery.

Why is the cephalic vein used for venipuncture?

Therefore, our present study suggests the following points: (1) the cephalic vein at the cubital fossa is a relatively safe venipuncture site because of its distance from the median nerve, brachial artery, and superficial nerve; (2) when puncturing the cephalic vein is difficult because it is not visible, the median ...

What is the purpose for a venous blood sample?

Venous sampling is a diagnostic procedure that uses imaging guidance to insert a catheter into a specific vein and remove blood samples for laboratory analysis. Abnormal levels of certain substances in the blood may indicate the presence of disease in the organ or tissue that produces them.

What does the venous system do?

The venous system refers to the network of veins that work to deliver deoxygenated blood back to your heart.

What is the purpose of a venous blood gas?

In the absence of an arterial line, a venous blood gas sample can be used to evaluate carbon dioxide, pH and bicarbonate. Venous blood gases do not evaluate arterial oxygenation, therefore, they must be combined with pulse oximetry values to fully assess ventilation.

What is importance of obtaining the blood by capillary method?

Capillary blood sampling has several advantages over drawing blood from a vein: It is easy to obtain (it can be difficult to obtain blood from the veins, especially in infants). There are several collection sites on the body, and these sites can be rotated. Testing can be done at home and with little training.

What venipuncture method is commonly used?

5. Select the appropriate vein for venipuncture. 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. At no time may phlebotomists perform venipuncture on an artery.

How do you educate a patient during venipuncture procedure?

Review the phlebotomy order and the patient's written consent. Review the procedure with the patient, inform him or her about the tests for which the blood samples are being collected, and allow the patient to ask questions and express any preferences he or she may have for a site or side.

How do veins help draw blood?

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.

Does venipuncture hurt?

While drawing blood is ideally a fast and minimally painful experience, it's possible that some people will feel very nervous about getting stuck with a needle or seeing their own blood. Here are some ways to minimize these reactions and stay calm: Focus on taking deep, full breaths before getting a blood draw.