Second Subject: Specimen Collection
Description
Which of the following veins of the antecubital fossa is characteristically most stationary?
a. basilic vein
b. cephalic vein
c. dorsal metacarpal vein
d. median cubital vein
- The median cubital vein, a large, full, surface vein appearing near the center of the antecubital fossa, is located over the bicipital aponeurosis, which provides natural support and anchoring for the vein during venipuncture. (The phlebotomist always must also anchor the vein.) The bicipital aponeurosis is a fibrous membrane which also offers some protection to underlying arteries and nerves. CLSI Standard GP41-A6 requires a phlebotomist to look for a median cubital vein in both arms before selecting an alternative site for venipuncture.
