Phlebotomy question

[kackieanne]

I hope a phlebotomy question to this forum is ok--please forgive if not.

I will be teaching phlebotomy in an MLS program soon, and I find that students often struggle with where to initially insert the needle--some start too low, many start right on top of the most prominent part of the vein and get a little blood spurt.

I wonder if it is possible to use a surgery marking pen to mark the site.  Not being a surgeon, I don't really know whether surgeons make incisions right through the mark, and don't know if by the same token you could insert the phlebotomy needle through a marked site.

Thank you, generous forum members, for entertaining my question.  I am afraid it's a stupid question, but don't know where else to turn for answers.

Cheers,

Kerry

[Cliff]

13 hours ago, kackieanne said:

I am afraid it's a stupid question

No such thing.

I think using a surgical marker is a viable option.  They are sterile and single use.

[kackieanne]

Excellent!  Thank you for the feedback  It's truly appreciated