Page 9 - THE FIRST DAY OF PHLEBOTOMY FREE

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APPLYING THE TOURNIQUET

G. Chux (poly towel): An impermeable pad used to protect the patient’s clothing and
bedding.
H. Coban: self-adherent wrap, surgical tape, band-aides
I. Gloves: Must always be worn when collecting blood specimens.
J. Bio hazardous container: Puncture resistant

SELECTING A VEIN
You can obtain a venous blood sample from any vein in the body, however, there are preferred
sites for venipuncture to minimize the patient’s discomfort. The most common area to access
first is the antecubital space, also known as the antecubital fossa, hence the abbreviation AC
for AnteCubital.
The AC is located at the bend of the elbow and is easy to identify.
Have your patient to place their arm out with palms up and locate the bend of the elbow,
which is the area to palpate.
There are three major veins located in the antecubital space, and they are:

st
K. Median cubital vein: 1 vein of choice. Located diagonally in the middle of the AC,
this is the first choice because it’s large and does not tend to move when the needle is
inserted.
nd
L. Cephalic vein: 2 choice. It is usually more difficult to locate and has a tendency to
move, however, it is often the only vein that can be palpated in the obese patient. The
cephalic is a lateral vein located on the thumb side of the arm. (palms up)
rd
M. Basilic vein: 3 choice. This vein tends to roll easily and sits between two nerves. The
brachial artery is very close. If the needle is inserted too deep, this artery may be
punctured. It’s located on the pinky side of the arm. (palms up)
If your patient is experiencing a sharp pain down the arm or tingling sensation during the
procedure, you may have hit a nerve. Immediately remove the needle and apply pressure to
prevent nerve damage.

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