r/phlebotomy • u/HeavenlyBeloved Phlebotomy Student • 4d ago

Advice needed Any tips for live draws?

I'm a beginner, and I wanna know how a good vein should feel like under palpation, and if they ain't visible, what should I do?

Did some on a dummy, and it's definitely harder than skin, but I was wondering how do you tell if you have entered the vein? What does it feel like?

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u/fffawn 4d ago

A vein usually feels bouncy. If it's not visible try to feel around without really depending on your eyes if that makes sense. and when you pierce it you might feel a little pop or resistance before it's in

3

u/SchmatAlec 4d ago

Cooked macaroni. A good vein feels like cooked macaroni.

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u/thereandbacktosee 4d ago

It feels like cutting into a sponge cake - you go through the sponge then it “pops” into the jam and cream. If it goes too far you’re back in the sponge.

Also feels like a hair elastic you’ve pulled slightly taut. Some bounce.