Finding a Vein

Choosing the Right Limb

• • Do

  • Use the nondominant arm if possible
  • Try to use the AC fossa where possible

• • Don't

  • Absolutely do not use the same arm as an AV fistula
  • Don’t use the same arm as a past lymph node dissection or mastectomy
  • Don’t use a limb affected by stroke
  • Don’t insert a needle through a burn, oedema, haematoma or infected tissue
  • If testing coags, do not take from the same limb as a heparin infusion
  • If an infusion is running, either stop the infusion prior to taking the sample or use another limb