How do I Find a Vein for Lab Work?

It is sometimes difficult to find a vein when taking blood from a patient. If a vein isn't found, a nurse may end up sticking a patient multiple times, which can be upsetting to the patient. With proper methods, a vein can be found quickly so blood can be drawn easily and sent in for lab work.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth
• Warm water

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Hold one of the patient's arms.

• 2

  Massage the underside of the forearm, from the wrist to the elbow.

• 3

  Tap the underside of the arm with your index finger. A blue vein should appear slightly raised on the underside of the forearm. If you're still unable to get a vein to show up go on to the next step.

• 4

  Dampen a cloth with warm water.

• 5

  Rub the cloth on the underside of the arm until a vein shows up.