Medshotsover 6 years ago

Labeled arm showing the antecubital veins 

The antecubital fossa contains four veins (see the image). Of these, the median cubital vein is usually the vein of choice for phlebotomy: it is typically more stable (less likely to roll), it lies more superficially, and the skin overlying it is less sensitive than the skin overlying the other veins.Phlebotomy is a technique in which a needle is temporarily inserted into a vein to provide venous access for venous blood sampling or infusion. Contraindications for phlebotomy include the following: Evidence of cellulitis or abscess, venous fibrosis on palpation, presence of a hematoma, presence of a vascular shunt or graft, and presence of a vascular access device.