Venipuncture is one of the most basic and common clinical procedures used in many medical settings, such as blood sampling, infusion therapy, and drug injection. Whether for doctors or nursing staff, mastering the correct venipuncture skills is a necessary basic skill.

In venipuncture operation, choosing the right puncture site is the key to success. The direction, diameter, and mobility of veins vary from site to site and need to be judged and selected according to the specific situation. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to the selection of venepuncture sites to guide clinical practice.

Preferred Venipuncture Sites

1. Forearm vein

This site is usually in good condition, with visible and superficial venous lines that are easy to maneuver. In particular, the cephalic and basilic veins are straight and have a low range of motion.

2. Dorsal hand veins

If the forearm veins are not in good condition, the dorsal hand vein is an alternative. The dorsal hand veins, although small, are more visible when pressure is applied to the palm of the hand. However, it is also important to avoid the wrist because of its greater range of motion.

3. Dorsalis pedis veins

The dorsalis pedis vein can also be considered if the condition of the hand veins is not optimal. However, it is more difficult to maneuver due to the deeper buried veins.

Alternative Venipuncture Sites

If none of the above three sites are ideal, the following alternative sites can be considered.

1. Cephalic veins

Cephalic and temporal veins can be used as an alternative in some cases. These veins are more visible, but because of the greater range of motion of the head, extra care is needed to avoid injury. Cephalic veins are usually reserved for newborns and infants, as the scalp veins are more visible in this age group.

2. Other sites

In emergencies, the veins of the medial elbow, subclavian, and neck can be used as alternatives. However, these sites have a greater range of motion or are more deeply buried, making them more difficult to maneuver, and are therefore recommended only when there is no other alternative.

Venipuncture Sites to Avoid

In general, the following sites should be avoided for venipuncture.

– Ventral extremities
– Groin
– Joints (elbows, armpits, etc.)
– Postoperative wounds or inflammatory sites

These sites have a greater range of motion of the veins or are more deeply buried, which not only makes them more difficult to perform, but also poses a risk of accidents.

Hands-on Practice of Venipuncture

Theoretical knowledge is available, but in order to truly master the skills of venipuncture, hands-on practice is an indispensable part. Repeated practice is the key to improve clinical operation. High-simulation models can provide a safe and efficient platform for us to practice.

MedEduQuest has launched a series of human practice simulation models specifically designed for venipuncture training, not only adult venipuncture IV injection arm, but also infant venipuncture IV models, allowing you to practice repeatedly in a simulated environment to master this basic skill.

Venipuncture is the most basic and common operation skill in clinical work. Correct selection of the puncture site is essential to improve the success rate of the operation. If you are not familiar with these, just get a model or find a real person to help you learn how to recognize and select these venipuncture sites.