A common procedure in which a vein, usually in the forearm, is pierced with a needle to inject fluid or withdraw blood. A tourniquet is used to swell the veins, and a sterile needle is inserted. A syringe is attached to the needle if blood is to be taken or medication injected. For intravenous infusion, a cannula (tube) is inserted via the needle. After the fluid has been injected or withdrawn, the needle or cannula is removed. The area is then covered and pressure applied to stop any bleeding. The procedure is not usually painful but may cause some discomfort.
The insertion of a needle into a vein (see VEINS), usually for the purpose of injecting a drug or withdrawing blood for haematological or biochemical analysis. The usual site for venepuncture in adults is the median cubital vein in the forearm.
(venipuncture) n. the puncture of a vein for any therapeutic purpose; for example, to extract blood for laboratory tests. See also phlebotomy.
An abbreviation for eutetic mixture of local anaesthetics. This is a cream that is applied to the skin to produce local anaesthesia (see anaesthesia, local). is used to reduce discomfort before intravenous injection and venepuncture, particularly in children, and in skin grafting.... emla
Health Encyclopedia