Blood, Electrolytes, and Intravenous Infusions
3-17
3-17. SITE FOR VENIPUNCTURE WHEN A BLOOD PRODUCT IS USED
Blood products should be administered intravenously although other routes (intraperitoneal, intra-arterial, intraosteous are possible. A vein should be selected which will be large enough to accommodate the infusion needle but is comfortable for the patient. Veins in the antecubital fossa are probably more accessible and most widely used; however, infusion in these veins limits the patient's ability to flex the elbow during transfusion. Veins in the forearm and hand are equally suitable for infusion, although venipuncture in these areas is often more painful to the patient.
