Is this real? Vein light

Published

116539686_veinviewer.jpg.45150a57e65fc69dd96b2dbc754c28b4.jpg

Vein viewer? Is this a real thing?

IVs are one of the things I am most nervous about placing during nursing school. So I am all about this vein viewer.

What do you all think about it?

It's real. The hospital I had my phlebotomy clinicals at showed me one but they said it was unnecessary because it doesn't help pick a good vein. You have to palpate it to feel if its elastic.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

Used our ED's once on a "fluffy" pt. Helped to find & place an IV in her upper arm/shoulder area. However, the room's lights had to be dimmed & the vein finder light flickered giving a strobe light effect; really messed with my eyes. I didn't care for it even though I was able to hit a vein I don't think I could have otherwise.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Fluffys a nice way to say it. Lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology.

They're real, but not hugely helpful. Sure, it might show you a vein. It doesn't show you how deep it is or if it will roll, though! And if you need a vein finder, they never look like that. Look at that guy's wrist where the light isn't hitting in the OP's picture. He has hoses. You wouldn't need a tourniquet, much less a vein finder, to start an IV on that guy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med-surg, IMC, school nursing, NICU.

The veins in the photo posted by the OP are gorgeous to begin with. I doubt the veins of a 20 year IVDA or "fluffy" patient are going to show up as beautifully as those.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

We have one and it is only helpful once in a while, like on a big fat baby. If we have a really sick kid who is mottled or a chronic kid who has a lot of collateral circulation popping up due to multiple sticks and lines, it really doesn't help. And the square doesn't get small enough for our kids...it wavers and makes you feel seasick lol. You can see the vessel, but it doesn't show you going in like ultrasound.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Yes it is! We have on in our pediatric unit but I've used it a few times on adults. It really works!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Surgery.

Yes! Works nice on thin patients or pediatrics

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Seeing and feeling work better than any device that supposedly illuminates veins. I have found that devices like the Accuvein are not that accurate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

They have been using them in my local hospital for 4-5 years I believe.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.
Seeing and feeling work better than any device that supposedly illuminates veins. I have found that devices like the Accuvein are not that accurate.

Exactly! The accuvein even illuminates the creases in my AC area. I learned to go by feel and have had much better success with that than ever using the accuvein. It also messes with my eyes too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

These vein "finders" are not the godsend they are made out to be. ultrasound is a more reliable option that is a mix of using your current iv skills for larger deep veins. That can also be used when you have edematous or fluffy pts that you need to get those impossible blood cultures on or to get an abg.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion