Deck 4 – Veins & Tube Colors
Learn veins, tube colors, and their core uses so your order of draw becomes automatic.
NHA CPT EXAM
Card 1 / 37
Antecubital Fossa
The front of the elbow where the main venipuncture veins (median cubital, cephalic, basilic) are located.
Median Cubital Vein
The preferred vein in the antecubital fossa for routine venipuncture because it is large, stable, and easy to access.
Serum Separator Tube (SST)
A gold or tiger-top tube with clot activator and gel that separates serum from the clot after centrifugation.
Tourniquet
A device applied around the arm to make veins more visible by temporarily restricting venous blood flow.
Bevel
The slanted, sharp tip of the needle that should face up when entering the vein.
Collapsed vein
A vein that closes in on itself during a draw, stopping blood flow into the tube.
Gauze
Sterile cotton or fabric used to apply pressure and cover the puncture site after venipuncture.
Isopropyl alcohol
Common skin antiseptic (often 70%) used before routine venipuncture.
Midline catheter
A type of IV access placed in a peripheral vein for longer-term use, but not reaching central veins.
Palpation
Using the fingers to feel for vein size, depth, and direction.
Peripheral vein
A vein located away from the center of the body, commonly in the arms or hands.
PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter)
A long catheter inserted into a peripheral vein and advanced toward the heart for long-term IV access.
Vacutainer holder
A plastic adapter that holds the double-ended needle and collection tubes during venipuncture.
Vacuum (tube)
Negative pressure inside an evacuated tube that pulls blood in when the vein is entered.
Venous stasis
Slowing or pooling of blood in a vein, often caused by a tourniquet left in place too long.
Cephalic vein
A lateral vein in the antecubital area, often used as a second choice for venipuncture.
Basilic vein
A medial vein in the antecubital area that is usually considered a last choice.
Dorsal hand veins
Veins on the back (dorsum) of the hand used when antecubital veins are not accessible.
Foot veins
Veins on the top of the foot sometimes used as a last resort for blood collection.
OSHA
Stands for “Occupational Safety and Health Administration,” the U.S. agency that sets workplace safety standards.
IV
Stands for “intravenous,” meaning into a vein.
Whole blood
Blood that still contains all cells and plasma; it has not been separated or clotted.
Evacuated tube system (ETS)
A blood collection system using a double-ended needle, tube holder, and vacuum tubes.
Syringe draw
A blood collection method using a syringe and needle instead of vacuum tubes.
Portal of exit
The path by which a microorganism leaves the reservoir (for example, blood, respiratory droplets, stool).
Droplet precautions
Precautions for germs spread by large respiratory droplets (for example, influenza).
Geriatric patient
An older adult patient who may have fragile veins, thinner skin, and multiple health conditions.
Bariatric patient
A patient with obesity who may have deeper, less visible veins and mobility challenges.
Sclerosed vein
A vein that has become hardened or cord-like, often from repeated use or disease.
Thrombosed vein
A vein that contains a clot and may feel hard or rope-like on palpation.
Needle insertion angle (antecubital)
The angle at which the needle enters the skin over an antecubital vein, usually about 15–30 degrees.
Needle insertion angle (hand veins)
The angle for hand vein venipuncture, usually lower (about 10–15 degrees) because veins are more superficial.
Tourniquet placement
The tourniquet is typically placed 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) above the venipuncture site on the upper arm.
Anchoring the vein
Stabilizing the vein by pulling the skin taut with the non-dominant hand just below the puncture site.
Patient fist use
The patient may be asked to make a gentle fist to help veins become more prominent.
Tourniquet release sequence
The tourniquet should be released before the needle is removed from the vein.
Blood pressure cuff as tourniquet
A blood pressure cuff inflated to a low pressure can be used as an alternative tourniquet for patients with very fragile veins.