Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: katieHaylor on 01/05/2020 09:33:07

Title: Why are some people's veins more difficult to take blood from than others'?
Post by: katieHaylor on 01/05/2020 09:33:07

Manik says:

Due to my partner’s repeated hospital visits for tests that need the taking of blood from his veins we have come across what nurses describe as “hiding veins” as they have trouble locating the veins. They make it sound like over time the veins take an active part in not being found and punctured.

What exactly is going on here?

What do you think?

Title: Re: Why are some people's veins more difficult to take blood from than others'?
Post by: vhfpmr on 07/05/2020 00:16:47

There's no difficulty in locating my veins, they're the big blue bulging kind, they just can't get the needles and cannulas into them.

Title: Re: Why are some people's veins more difficult to take blood from than others'?
Post by: evan_au on 07/05/2020 10:48:43

If you have a thicker-than-average layer of insulating fat in the skin, your veins may be harder to see.

If you are feeling rather cold, your circulatory system constricts surface blood vessels, to keep heat for your core. This makes it harder to find surface veins.

Title: Re: Why are some people's veins more difficult to take blood from than others'?
Post by: vhfpmr on 07/05/2020 20:44:42

Hospitals are mostly warm. Some have mentioned valves in the veins obstructing the needle, but most are just astonished they can't do it.