The Art and Science of Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy is both an art and a science. Phlebotomists are well-schooled in the art and science of finding a suitable vein for a blood draw. However, for even the most seasoned phlebotomist, there are situations where finding a vein is a major challenge.
For nurses, particularly those who care for critically ill patients, obtaining a blood specimen via a venous stick is a crucial nursing skill. In the hospital, the phlebotomy team may not be available, especially during nighttime hours or when a stat result is needed.
Patients who are elderly, obese, dark-skinned, hypovolemic, have a history of IV drug use, or have chronic illness are often classified as a “difficult stick.” For these patients, even the antecubital vein may prove difficult to find. And for patients admitted to the hospital who are critically ill, it can be problematic performing a blood draw if the antecubital area or a central line is not accessible.
The unfortunate results in these situations are multiple sticks, which cause discomfort and stress for the patient and a delay in needed treatment.
AccuVein® Vein Finder Can Help Phlebotomists
The AccuVein® AV400 is the first handheld non-contact vein illumination system. This system is designed to augment the art of finding and assessing a suitable vein on a difficult stick patient with the science of real-time vein mapping.
Learn about vein visualization technology
This portable, easy-to-use, and proven device is suitable for inpatient and outpatient facilities where blood draws are performed. The AccuVein® Vein Finder has been shown to improve vein access by 18% in individuals determined to have difficult venous access (DVA).
Don’t just take our word for it. Phlebotomy Essentials, a leading phlebotomy textbook, features AccuVein’s device, calling it, “a useful device that makes it easier to locate veins that are difficult to see or feel.”