Veins of the arm
The venous anatomy of the arm, and the nerves and artery nearby.
The antecubital fossa
The shallow hollow at the front of the elbow. It holds large, accessible veins, but also the brachial artery and several nerves.
Median cubital vein
Crosses the fossa diagonally, joining the cephalic and basilic veins. Usually the first choice because it is often large, well anchored and away from the main nerves and artery.
Cephalic vein
Runs along the thumb side of the arm and forearm. Often accessible, though it can be mobile.
Basilic vein
Runs along the little-finger side. It lies close to the brachial artery and median nerve, so there is a higher risk of arterial puncture or nerve injury.
Beyond the fossa
The forearm veins and the veins on the back of the hand are alternatives when the fossa is not suitable. Veins feel soft and compressible; an artery pulsates.
General information only. It is not accredited CPD and does not replace your training, your employer's procedures or the receiving laboratory's requirements.
Related articles
CPD for phlebotomists
What continuing professional development means for phlebotomists in the UK, and how to keep a record of it.
Difficult veins
Approaches for patients whose veins are hard to find, feel or access.
Paediatric phlebotomy
Taking blood from children: communication, positioning, equipment and working with parents.
Taking blood from older patients
Adapting technique for fragile veins, thin skin and patients taking anticoagulants.
Lola Dispatch is invitation-only
Lola Dispatch offers mobile blood draw jobs to approved phlebotomists. We add phlebotomists by invitation.
Request access