Help! I Can't Find Veins on Geriatric Patients!

If you draw blood samples from geriatric patients, you'll need some tips on locating hard-to-find veins. This clip discusses how phlebotomists can overcome the challenges in finding and accessing veins on geriatric patients when performing venipuncture procedures, and obtain adequate samples of blood for laboratory testing.
Time Code:
0:00---Help! I Can't Find Veins on Geriatric Patients! intro
0:20---Why geriatric veins are hard to locate
0:44---Rolling veins, collapsing veins, hematoma formation
1:00---Why older veins are prone to hematoma (bruising)
1:35---solutions to finding veins
1:47---using a blood pressure cuff
1:57---hydration
2:18---flexing & hyperextension
2:55---prewarming the site and rotating the wrist
3:11---lower the arm & use smaller volume tubes
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[@animethighs9966]

Need to watch this after failing geriatric veins all day.

[@mleon3384]

Myself included I mean Alll Daaaay come on! I'm so upset with myself.

[@jasminejp5899]

I struggle with geriatric blood draw, I feel whenever I do get the sample it’s literally like hitting the lotto....

[@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509]

I know the feeling exactly! Jackpot!

[@chopsticksforlegs]

Literally story of my nursing life

[@brendanelson7050]

I agree a live video would be good

[@sianvickers1053]

I was hoping to find a video with some tips and tricks to help with bleeding from geriatric patients with loose skin. I find that anchoring just doesn't work the same, or maybe it's just all in my head?

[@manfrevan6707]

Es muy cierto. Gracias

[@deep8310]

What about use of vein display instruments

[@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509]

Good point, Dee. We'll be uploading a product review video here soon.

[@petuniab.222]

I cant send them home telling them to drink water. I work in out patient clinic and my boss rolls her eyes whenever I cannot locate a vein. She also would not order warming stuff.

[@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509]

That's unfortunate, Patricia. Geriatrics are truly special cases that take special strategies. We realize sending them home might not be practical, but suggest informing them to hydrate before their next visit. At least it might make things easier in the future. You don't need to spend a lot on warming devices. Simply warm up a wash cloth and apply it to the antecubital. It would be nice to have a way to measure the water's temperature, though. You don't want it warmer than 42-degrees Celsius to prevent burns. Hope this helps.

[@wendyroddick2071]

@@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509 I so wish nurses would have the patients and take the time to warm,pump and help clients they know have small veins instead of rushing and causing pain.We are not always dehydrated ..

[@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509]

@@wendyroddick2071 yes, so do we. But make sure you don't pump your fist. It will cause your potassium results to be falsely elevated. If pumping is necessary, go ahead. Just have the phlebotomist release the tourniquet for two minutes after locating the vein so the blood in the arm can return to it's basal state. Then your potassium results will be accurate.

[@anilrai2448]

How to care proper vein in hand ? What I have to do for healthy vein ?

[@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509]

So that we might better answer your question, are you asking as a patient or a healthcare worker?

[@shanecarmen8144]

I have a hard time with black patients. I am not sure why. My coworkers and I once tried for a young black woman and we couldn’t get it. Even black men are a hard stick. Any suggestions

[@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509]

That makes sense, Shane. The increased melatonin makes veins harder to visualize. Have you considered one of the vein finders on the market? Accuvein is one that you might find helpful. www.accuvein.com

[@kgan6653]

@@centerforphlebotomyeducati4509 melatonin lmfao

[@queenbee7560]

You mean melanin???? Lmao

[@healthcarecareerinstitute_vcc]

It's about feeling and not looking...

[@miasanchez2772]

@@queenbee7560 sleepy veins lol

[@fishstinks6122]

Crap

[@friendsbehappy9705]

Plz post a video to cannulate fat babies in cubital and basilic vein

[@ladynefertitibk]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@leevuletich3024]

A live video would help.