
What vein is suitable for blood collection?
What Are the Best Sites for Venipuncture?
- Venipuncture Basics. Phlebotomists are trained to locate the best vein for drawing blood. ...
- Median Cubital Vein. Venipuncture is a common medical practice that is used to get blood for testing. ...
- Cephalic Vein. The cephalic vein is found in both the forearm and the upper arm. ...
- Basilic Vein. ...
- Dangers of Poor Placement. ...
What is a blood specimen collection?
Blood specimen collection is performed routinely to obtain blood for laboratory testing. Blood can be obtained from venous access devices and sometimes by fingerstick. Blood is most frequently obtained via a peripheral vein puncture (venipuncture). Purpose Blood is usually drawn and collected in order to perform a variety of laboratory tests.
What is blood collection?
Collection of large volumes of blood is an everyday practice in blood transfusion services. The donated blood is tested, and processed to ensure that it is free from major infections that are transmissible by transfusion, therefore ensuring that it will not harm the recipient of the blood.
Is venous blood used for most tests?
Venous blood is the specimen of choice for most routine laboratory tests. The blood is obtained by direct puncture to a vein, most often located in the antecubital area of the arm or the back (top) of the hand. At times, venous blood may be obtained using a vascular access device (VAD) such as a central venous pressure line or an IV start.

What is venous blood venipuncture?
In medicine, venipuncture is the process of procuring intravenous access to the veins for blood sampling. In healthcare, this technique is achieved by medical laboratory scientists and medical practitioners. Venous blood draws are taken to allow blood analysis to take place.
What is the procedure for venous blood collection?
In venous blood sampling, a needle is inserted into a vein to collect a sample of blood for testing. Peripheral veins, typically the antecubital veins, are the usual sites for venous blood sampling.
What is a venipuncture blood test for?
A procedure in which a needle is used to take blood from a vein, usually for laboratory testing. Venipuncture may also be done to remove extra red blood cells from the blood, to treat certain blood disorders. Also called blood draw and phlebotomy.
Which vein is used for venous blood collection?
The median cubital vein is the larger and more stable vein and is preferred for venipuncture.
What is the advantage of venous blood collection?
ICU patients can lose up to 2% of their total blood volume every day when venous blood sampling is done. Collection is simple and relatively painless. Finding a vein in an elderly person or a child can be traumatic for both them and the lab tech.
What are the 5 sites for venipuncture?
Explore the Possibilities!VeinLocationPlacementDirectionMedian CubitalMid antecubital fossaVertical to diagonalCephalicThumb side of antecubital fossaVerticalBasilicBody side of antecubital fossaVertical to diagonal
Why would someone need a venipuncture?
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.
How long does a venipuncture take?
The process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. However, sometimes it may take more time to identify a vein. Factors such as dehydration, the experience of the phlebotomist, and the size of your veins can impact how quickly a blood draw can be done.
What are the main reasons for venipuncture?
There are five primary reasons for performing a venipuncture:Obtaining blood for diagnostic purposes.Monitoring levels of blood components.Administering therapeutic treatments (medications, nutrition, chemotherapy)Removing blood due to excess levels of iron or erythrocytes (red blood cells)More items...
Which is the best vein for venous blood collection and why?
The optimal sites for blood draw are the veins in the antecubital fossa – the cephalic, median cubital and basilic veins – which is distal to the elbow joint (Warekois and Robinson 2015). These veins are near the surface of the skin as well as being large and well-anchored.
What Colour is venous blood?
dark redVenous blood is dark red and not blue.
What is the main difference between arterial and venous blood?
In terms of function, arteries and veins are quite different from one another. A key difference between arteries and veins is that the arteries carry oxygenated blood to all body parts, whereas veins carry the deoxygenated blood to the heart, with the exception of pulmonary arteries and veins.
What are the four most common problems that occur with venipuncture?
Complications that can arise from venepuncture include haematoma formation, nerve damage, pain, haemaconcentration, extravasation, iatrogenic anaemia, arterial puncture, petechiae, allergies, fear and phobia, infection, syncope and fainting, excessive bleeding, edema and thrombus.
What is the difference between Venepuncture and phlebotomy?
The difference between venipuncture and phlebotomy is their purpose. Venipuncture is the process of puncturing a vein with a needle for any medical purpose. Phlebotomy is venipuncture performed specifically to obtain blood samples for study.
How to puncture veins with a phlebotomist?
This anchors the vein. The thumb should be one or two inches (2.5 cm or 5.0 cm) below the venipuncture site. With the be vel up, line up the needle with the vein and puncture the vein.
How to insert a blood collection tube?
Insert the blood collection tube into the holder and onto the needle up to the recessed guideline on the needle holder. Avoid pushing the tube beyond the guideline because a premature loss of vacuum may result. The tube will retract slightly. Leave it in this position.
How to get accurate blood test results?
Accurate laboratory results begin with appropriate specimen collection. Most blood specimens are obtained using standard venipuncture technique. Main Line Health Laboratories supplies clients with Vacutainer® brand collection tubes. Tube types are identified by stopper color. In certain instances the use of Serum Separator Tubes (SST®) is unacceptable. Prior to collection, consult the specific test ordered to determine the proper tube type and specimen volume required.
What causes back flow in a venous tube?
Movement of the fluid back and forth in the tube can cause back-flow of blood into the venous system and possible adverse patient reaction. Keep constant, slight forward pressure (in the direction of the needle) on the end of the tube. This prevents release of the shut-off sheath and stopping of blood flow.
Do you have to vary pressure after a blood draw?
Do not vary pressure or reintroduce pressure after completing the draw. For tubes containing anticoagulant (i.e., light blue and lavender top) fill the tube until the vacuum is exhausted and blood flow ceases. This will ensure that there is a correct ratio of anticoagulant to blood.
What is the first tube needed for venipuncture?
NOTE: When using a winged blood collection set for venipuncture and a coagulation tube is the first tube needed, first draw a discard tube (plain red top or light blue top). The discard tube does not need to be filled completely.
Which veins are most commonly used?
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 many times should a patient be stuck by a phlebotomist?
6. A patient should never be stuck more than twice unsuccessfully by a phlebotomist. The Supervisor should be called to assess the patient.
What is required to be worn during blood collection?
8. A lab coat or gown must be worn during blood collection procedures.
What is vacuum tube?
The vacuum tubes are designed to draw a predetermined volume of blood. Tubes with different additives are used for collecting blood specimens for specific types of tests. The color of cap is used to identify these additives. 7.
When to dispose of gloves after phlebotomy?
11. Gloves are to be discarded in the appropriate container immediately after the phlebotomy procedure.
Can you draw blood from your feet?
It is not recommended that blood be drawn from the feet .The Providers permission is required to draw from this site.
What is the term for the drawing of blood for treatment purposes?
The drawing of blood for treatment purposes is called therapeutic phlebotomy. This is conducted in conditions like hemochromatosis and erythrocytosis among others.
How much blood volume should be collected?
Blood volume collection should be minimum. It varies with the age of a patient. It should not exceed 3-5% of the total blood volume.
Which has less muscular tissue, veins or arteries?
Veins have less muscular tissue than arteries. This facilitates phlebotomists to perform venipuncture with ease.
Where is the best place to collect blood?
The most suitable site for the collection of blood is the antecubital fossa, in the inner elbow area of the forearm.
Should samples collected outside the laboratory be promptly delivered to the laboratory for interpretation?
Samples collected outside the laboratories should be promptly delivered to the laboratory for interpretation.
Can venipuncture be carried out?
It can be carried out by following any one out of the several methods like venipuncture.
What is venipuncture blood?
Venipuncture. Blood-draw; Phlebotomy. Share. Venipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing. Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe.
What is plasma in blood?
Why the Test is Performed. Plasma is the fluid part of the blood in the bloodstream that contains substances such as glucose, electrolytes, proteins, and water. Serum is the fluid part that remains after the blood is allowed to clot in a test tube.
What is the tool used to puncture the skin?
The needle is taken out and the spot is covered with a bandage to stop bleeding. In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
Why is blood important?
Blood helps move oxygen, nutrients, waste products, and other materials through the body. It helps control body temperature, fluid balance, and the body's acid-base balance. Tests on blood or parts of blood may give your provider important clues about your health.
What is venipuncture in blood?from promedba.com
Venipuncture is the most general technique for acquiring blood samples for the blood or serum lab process. The work of getting the specimen sample is an important part of performing the check. Repayment for the venipuncture in the refund for the lab test process code.
What is the CPT code for venipuncture?from medicarepaymentandreimbursement.com
CPT venipuncture code 36415 for a set of venous blood by venipuncture is at the present reimbursable by Medicare, but CPT venipuncture code 36416 locations of a capillary blood sample, for example,
What is CPT code 36415?from medicarepaymentandreimbursement.com
Report routine venipuncture with 36415 Collection of venous blood, by venipuncture. Per CPT® instruction, never append modifier 63 Procedure performed on infant s less than 4kg to 36415, even for very young and small patients.#N#The CMS 2015 National Physician Fee Schedule Relative Value File assigns 36415 an “X” status code, meaning that the service is “not in the statutory definition of ‘physician services’ for fee schedule payment purposes.” As such, Medicare will not reimburse for routine venipuncture. Some private payers also may not pay for the service (check with your individual payer for details).#N#CPT® includes several other codes to describe venipuncture requiring a physician’s skill. These codes differentiate patients by age and, for those patients younger than 3 years old, by the vein accessed:
What is the most common method used to obtain blood samples for blood or serum lab procedures?from medicarepaymentandreimbursement.com
Venipuncture is the most common method used to obtain blood samples for blood or serum lab procedures. The work of obtaining the specimen sample is an essential part of performing the test. Reimbursement for the venipuncture is included in the reimbursement for the lab test procedure code.
What is the code for a venous blood test?from medicarepaymentandreimbursement.com
In addition, HCPCS code G0471 for the collection of venous blood by venipuncture or urine sample by catheterization from an individual in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or by a laboratory on behalf of a home health agency (HHA) collected by a laboratory technician that is employed by the laboratory that is performing the test will be eligible for separate reimbursement when reported with a laboratory service.
What is the procedure called when you pull blood from a vein?from medicarepaymentandreimbursement.com
Venipuncture or phlebotomy is the puncture of a vein with a needle to withdraw blood. Venipuncture is the most common method used to obtain blood samples for blood or serum lab procedures, and is sometimes referred to as a “blood draw.”
How often should you report venipuncture?from aapc.com
Report venipuncture (whether routine or requiring physician skill) only once per patient encounter , regardless of the number of specimens drawn. Also, note that 36410 is a “separate procedure” and is not separately reported if the venipuncture occurs as a part of a more extensive service.
What is venipuncture in medical terms?
Venipuncture is the process of withdrawing a sample of blood for the purpose of analysis or testing. There are several different methods for the collection of a blood sample. The most common method and site of venipuncture is the insertion of a needle into the cubital vein of the anterior forearm at the elbow fold.
What is the procedure called when you pull blood from a vein?
Venipuncture or phlebotomy is the puncture of a vein with a needle to withdraw blood. Venipuncture is the most common method used to obtain blood samples for blood or serum lab procedures, and is sometimes referred to as a “blood draw.”
What is the code for a venous blood test?
In addition, HCPCS code G0471 for the collection of venous blood by venipuncture or urine sample by catheterization from an individual in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or by a laboratory on behalf of a home health agency (HHA) collected by a laboratory technician that is employed by the laboratory that is performing the test will be eligible for separate reimbursement when reported with a laboratory service.
What is CPT code 36415?
Physicians who satisfy the specimen collection fee criteria and choose to bill Medicare for the specimen collection must use Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Code 36415, “Routine venipuncture – Collection of venous blood by venipuncture.
How long to wait for venipuncture?
b. If the patient has an I.V., one alternative to an impossible venipuncture is to request the nurse in charge to disconnect the I.V., wait at least 2 minutes, and draw blood from the needle already in the vein. Just remember that at least 3 ml should be discarded before the samples are collected. This avoids dilution and contamination of the sample with the I.V. fluid. Alternately, venipuncture can be performed in this arm after the 2 minute wait.
How to fix a vein that has not penetrated far enough?
The needle may have penetrated the vein too far. In that case, pull back gently. If the needle has not penetrated far enough, gently push it in. Use the free index finger to feel above the puncture to locate the vein. Do not probe through tissue. This is painful and damaging. It may be just necessary to change the needle angle slightly. The bevel of the needle may be up against the vein wall and may be obstructing the blood flow.
Who should a phlebotomist check with?
e. The phlebotomist should always check with the nurse or the lab supervisor/charge tech if there are any questions.
