Andrea demonstrates the Veinsite Locator
The headgear looks like a Space Age invention, but in reality it’s a valuable patient care tool. Lab assistants, serving as phlebotomists, can use the Veinsite® Locator when drawing blood from patients with difficult to locate veins.
It’s helpful in patients who are very young, elderly, obese, dehydrated or who have a dark skin tone. With up to 12,000 patients each month who need blood drawn, the device can help ease anxiety over multiple needle sticks for
patients and phlebotomists.
The technology uses near infrared light that reacts with hemoglobin in the blood. The blood shows up darker than the surrounding tissue, which makes it easier to detect veins. The process helps clinicians reduce the number of IV sticks, avoid unnecessary central lines/PICCs, reduce hospital costs,and improve patient satisfaction and clinical efficiency. NKCH is the only hospital in the Midwest currently using this technology.
Veins are easier to see when drawing blood.
Lab staff helped research the device and trialed other products. “We liked the hands-free aspect of this device, which still allows the clinician free movement of both hands to help with patient positioning and vein location,” explained Customer Service Supervisor Andrea Pointer, MLS (ASCP).
The phlebotomist will ultimately make the decision about whether to use the device, but a physician or registered nurse can request a patient evaluation. If a phlebotomist is unsuccessful after two attempts, the patient’s nurse or caregiver is notified, and a second phlebotomist determines whether to use the Veinsite device.
Watch a video that highlights the benefits.
