Question 1

can a phlebotomist perform a venipuncture on an ankle vein?

Accepted Answer

Pedal Venipuncture : Venipuncture can be performed on the veins foot but this is very rarely done. The veins behind the ankle are not the best candidates because of their close proximity to the artery that supplies the foot. If done, it is usually a vein on the top of the foot that is easy to visualize and access.

Question 2

when is it appropriate for a foot vein to be used for venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Rare: When there is no good arm or hand vein or there has been injury that makes the arm or hand unusable.

Question 3

i recently went to get a venipuncture, the woman who did it poked me at least 4 times and was searching for the vein under my skin. my arm is very bruised, and what i am wondering is should i be worried if its hard and hurts when i barely touch it?

Accepted Answer

Yes: For problems after a blood draw or an IV, one's primary care doctor can examine to see what is going on. In-person examination is needed, so a video consultation would not be too helpful. The doctor wants to fine out if there is inflammation with infection, inflammation without infection, a hematoma, or a chemical reaction (in the case of an IV fluid problem).

Question 4

what are alternative locations for venipuncture? besides the veins in the arms, where else could a technician safely perform a venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Alternate locations: Venipuncture can be performed by a phlebotomist  in the arms and backs of hands but they wouldn't try other locations.  Blood can be also be drawn from the groin, and feet but phlebotomists are genenerally not allowed to do this.

Question 5

during venipuncture yesterday, the needle went through the arm vein. now the ulnar nerve is paining. no visible hematoma. is it internal bleeding?

Accepted Answer

Possibly irritated: I don't understand how venipuncture can get to the ulnar nerve but it can certainly puncture some other nerves.  I suspect that the pain will be transient lasting no more than a week . If the problem persists beyond that or not improving, better contact your doctor  Ice the area if the pain is unbearable.

Question 6

during venipuncture and when needle was removed, felt sharp pain in arm to wrist.now feel vein popping near wrist everytime straighten arm down from elbow.it is uncomfortable but not painful.

Accepted Answer

Painful vein?: Although not common veins can become thrombosed, prominent and tender after venipuncture.  If you can feel some firmness along the course of the vein and/or tenderness...Especially see any redness consult your physician after placing warm washcloth over area and taking aspirin.

Question 7

bad blood draw yesterday (venipuncture/8vials).immediately:red/blue, v.swollen&painful.now:flat,hard lump,bruise.do ruptured veins heal?just a leak?

Accepted Answer

Hematoma: The venipuncture for blood draw leaked and caused a hematoma outside of the vein or in the vein wall or both and this will heal in most cases without any consequences. I recommend ice in the first 2 days, several times a day (15 min each time) and switch to topical heat on day 3-4 and take ibuprofen as tolerated.

Question 8

if a woman has had bilateral mastectomies where is the best place for venipuncture for lab work?

Accepted Answer

Same: Bilateral mastectomy patients can have blood drawn in the usual locations.

Question 9

what is the angle that venipuncture is performed?

Accepted Answer

Varies: There is no set rule on the angle of entry.  For smaller veins close to the skin, the angle is more acute with the needle/catheter closer to the skin.  Deeper veins may require 45 degree angle, and larger angles make for more difficult entry as the tip may easily penetrate the back wall of the vein.

Question 10

what are the problems that can come from venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Few: In general venipuncture is safe, problem-free, and well-tolerated.  Occasionally it may be associated with a poor sample quantity, more than expected discomfort, inability to access vein or obtain sample, hematoma, or the need to return for another sample attempt.  Infection or other vascular issues are very rare.

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Doctor answers about:

Best veins for venipuncture

A member asked:

Can a phlebotomist perform a venipuncture on an ankle vein?

A member asked:

When is it appropriate for a foot vein to be used for venipuncture?

A member asked:

I recently went to get a venipuncture, the woman who did it poked me at least 4 times and was searching for the vein under my skin. my arm is very bruised, and what i am wondering is should i be worried if its hard and hurts when i barely touch it?

A member asked:

What are alternative locations for venipuncture? besides the veins in the arms, where else could a technician safely perform a venipuncture?

A member asked:

During venipuncture yesterday, the needle went through the arm vein. now the ulnar nerve is paining. no visible hematoma. is it internal bleeding?

A member asked:

During venipuncture and when needle was removed, felt sharp pain in arm to wrist.now feel vein popping near wrist everytime straighten arm down from elbow.it is uncomfortable but not painful.

A member asked:

Bad blood draw yesterday (venipuncture/8vials).immediately:red/blue, v.swollen&painful.now:flat,hard lump,bruise.do ruptured veins heal?just a leak?

A member asked:

If a woman has had bilateral mastectomies where is the best place for venipuncture for lab work?

A member asked:

What is the angle that venipuncture is performed?

A member asked:

What are the problems that can come from venipuncture?

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