Every attempt has been made to insure the accuracy of this material, however, medical science is constantly changing. If the information on this page differs from what you have been told by a nurse, pharmacist or physician, consult the person who told you differently or the manufacturer. Finger sticks hurt more than venipunctures because there are more pain receptors in the finger tips than in the antecubital area. Venous blood is obtained from a vein by venipuncture. Venous blood can also be obtained from central access devices.
Institutional policy determines the sampling procedure from central access devices.
The site selected is dependent on the sample volume needed for analysis. Finger or heel sticks can collect approximately 0.2-0.5 mls of blood. Venipuncture is used when multiple tubes with different anticoagulants are needed. Blood Collection Devices Finger or heel stick devices - a number of devices are available including retractable lancets, straight lancets and needle tip devices. The retractable lancet is used most often for safety reasons.