How can you locate a vein in the arms for extracting blood ?

Question

Help... I can't find my vein in my arms near the elbow... I can't extract blood... What are the characteristics of a vein when you palpate them? I can't extract blood if i don't know the vein!!! Arghhh !!!

Answer 1

Hi there. It would be easier for me if i can draw the outline of the major veins of the upper arm. But i think this will suffice....
on the lateral side of the arm near the elbow is the cephalic vein, and on the medial side(the inner side) is the basilic vein. These two branch out from the median cubital vein, which is sometimes below the elbow crease.

Apply the tournique above the elbow, wait a bit longer than usual, since your veins are smaller. Applying alcohol and tapping the area of the expected sites of the veins can also help make them more prominent.

Answer 2

I don't know why you want to extract blood from yourself for but here is your answer.

Characteristics of a vein is that it is soft and will bounce back when palpated. If it is really tough and springy then it is a tendon. Put your hand lower than your heart and feel what the veins are like in the back of your hand, that is what a vein feels like when palpated.

Answer 3

Why would you want to extract blood on yourself? and this would also seem quite hard to do by yourself too.

Usually a torniquet is applied to the arm to make the vein stand out. the tourniquet stops blood from pumping (in a vein) back to the heart, but remember, if the blood is not taken quickly you may suffer damage to the valves of the veins, and/or ischemia (loss of oxygen) to the tissues in your arm.

In the US and UK, blood is taking using a needle and a device called a Vacutainers. This is like a small test tube in which when the vein is punctured, the blood 'seems to' squirt up filling the 'test tube'.

Answer 4

In close proximity to every major vein is an artery and nerve .. without getting into the reasons for why you want to bleed yourself you might want to consider the adverse outcomes (infection, loss of limb function, ischaemia) you might incur ...

Answer 5

gently palpate the area or slighty tap the area a tornique can also help the vein will 'give" slighty when gently pressed clench and unclench your fist this also helps

Answer 6

if you are trying to practice for medical purposes how to draw blood you are just getting the wrong site. posterior to your elbow should be the right place. you have the basillic, midcubital and cephalic.

Answer 7

crap- pop a vein on the back of your hand...ditto feet if you want [ aka cut-down kit in hospital].
Or, donate like I do- cut yourself shaving.

Answer 8

hey vampire!! don,t sweat it, the blood banks are full of the nectar you seek. also i thought charlie brown was the only one who said ARGHHH!!!!!! Jesus, where do you pinheads come from?????

Answer 9

emo