Venipuncture Or Phlebotomy

Venipuncture or phlebotomy is the term used when blood is going to get drawn from a vein. There are many people who have to get their blood drawn for health concerns. It can show how well the kidneys, heart, lungs and other organs work. The people who draw your blood are called a phlebotomist. A phlebotomist is a trained individual, usually working in a doctor’s office, hospital or medical care unit. A phlebotomist is trained to draw blood from another individual via vein in the arm (aka venipuncture) pricks in the finger and in babies, pricks in the heel of the foot. Venipuncture can also tell a doctor if you have HIV or any diseases such as cancer or lupus. To locate a vein, you should feel around the arm and not just look for a vein. You …show more content…
If blood cannot be drawn from the vein in the arm, your phlebotomist or nurse will try to find a vein in the hands, wrists and even the vein in your thumb. Phlebotomists, nurses and doctors usually draw blood from veins and not arteries because arterial blood gas. Veins are also closer on the skins surface, which makes it easier to draw blood from the top of the surface, rather than to stick a needle further in the arm for a small amount of blood. Arteries have higher pressure than veins, which will result in more bleeding if you take blood from an artery and not a vein. Although blood is usually drawn from a vein, depending on the situation, it must be drawn from an …show more content…
There are minor complications that can occur such as bruises. More severe complications such as bleeding complications, infection and inflammation, vasovagal and any other pain related complications. Bleeding complications can occur if you take any medication that causes your blood to thin. Also, if you have hemophilia, that can cause blood complications. An infection can occur any time your skin is broken into, therefore, getting a venipuncture done can cause an infection. Cellulitis is a complication during venipuncture but it is rare and more likely to occur when you fluids are being taken into the body. Sepsis is a more serious complication in a blood draw and occurs when an individual has a compromised immune system. A compromised immune system is where your body cannot fight off an illness or medical issue. Vasovagal, also known as fainting occurs in many patients. When someone is scared of needles and need to have their blood tested, they usually experience anxiety, sweating, low blood pressure and actual fainting. Pain related complications when having your blood drawn does occur. If your nerve is poked by the needle wrong, it can cause pain in your