Venipuncture

The medical procedure of puncturing a vein with a needle, typically to withdraw blood for diagnostic testing or to administer intravenous therapies.

 

Phlebotomist:

A trained healthcare professional specializing in venipuncture, responsible for collecting blood samples for laboratory analysis.

 

Vein:

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood toward the heart, commonly used for venipuncture due to accessibility and visibility.

 

Vacutainer:

A brand of blood collection tubes with a vacuum-sealed system, allowing for the automatic withdrawal of a predetermined blood volume during venipuncture.

 

Winged Infusion Set (Butterfly Needle):

A needle device with flexible wings for stability during venipuncture, often used for patients with challenging veins or for short-term intravenous access.

 

Antiseptic:

A substance used to clean and disinfect the skin before venipuncture to reduce the risk of infection.

 

Tourniquet:

A tight band applied around the arm above the intended venipuncture site to temporarily slow down blood flow, making veins more visible and accessible.

 

Needle Gauge:

The thickness or diameter of the needle, with lower gauge numbers indicating larger needles, often selected based on the patient’s vein size and the purpose of venipuncture.

 

Flashback:

The visual confirmation of blood entering the needle hub during venipuncture, indicating successful entry into the vein.

 

Hematoma:

A localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels, often resulting from a leak during or after venipuncture.