What Is Venipuncture?
Venipuncture is the process of accessing a vein using a sterile needle to draw blood or administer fluids
or medications. In most cases, it’s used for diagnostic testing.
Phlebotomy refers to drawing blood. Venipuncture includes phlebotomy but also covers IV starts, blood
donation, and therapeutic draws.
Want to go deeper into the different venipuncture techniques and their best use cases? This breakdown
explores needle types, methods, and when to use each.
When (and Why) Venipuncture Is Performed
You’ll see venipuncture used across clinical and home environments for:
Diagnostic testing (CBC, CMP, blood cultures)
Monitoring medications or electrolytes
Administering IV fluids or therapies
Donating blood or removing excess blood (e.g. hemochromatosis)
In mobile phlebotomy, we often work with elderly or chronically ill patients who depend on at-home
labs to manage care. In these cases, gentleness, confidence, and accuracy matter most.
Explore how our mobile phlebotomy services support these patients.
Equipment Checklist: What You’ll Need
Set up your space — whether it’s a cart, table, or kitchen counter — with everything you’ll need:
Tourniquet
Sterile gloves
Alcohol swab or chlorhexidine wipe
Straight or butterfly needle
Tube holder (vacutainer system)
Color-coded vacuum tubes
Gauze + bandage or tape
Lab labels + requisition forms
Biohazard specimen bag
Sharps container
Hand sanitizer
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Venipuncture
1. Identify and Inform the Patient
Greet the patient and confirm full name + DOB
Ask about allergies (latex, adhesives, alcohol)
Explain the process:
2. Position the Patient
Seat them comfortably with the arm fully extended
Recline slightly if they’ve fainted during past blood draws
3. Apply the Tourniquet
Place 3–4 inches above the intended site
Ask the patient to make a fist (no pumping)
Look for firm, straight veins — the median cubital is ideal
4. Select and Palpate the Vein
Feel for bounce — avoid hardened, scarred, or bruised areas
If veins are tricky, try a warm compress or tapping
5. Clean the Site
Use alcohol/chlorhexidine in outward circles for 30 seconds
Let it fully air dry — don’t fan or blow on it
6. Don Gloves and Insert the Needle
Anchor the skin with your non-dominant hand
Insert the needle bevel-up at a 15–30° angle
Look for flashback — that’s your sign the vein is hit
7. Collect Samples in Proper Order
Order of draw:
1.Blood cultures
2.Light blue (coagulation)
3.Red/gold (serum)
4.Green (heparin)
5.Lavender (EDTA)
6.Gray (glucose/lactate)
Let each tube fill naturally. Do not press or manipulate the vacuum.
8. Release the Tourniquet and Remove the Needle
Release the tourniquet before removing the needle
Place gauze, remove the needle, and have the patient apply pressure
9. Label, Bandage, and Dispose
Label tubes immediately at the bedside
Apply a bandage and thank the patient
Dispose of all sharps and biohazard material correctly
10. Document and Transport
Note draw time, tubes collected, and any complications
Deliver samples as required by lab protocol