Can a nurse phlebotomist take blood from the back of the hand?

Answered by Lindsay Rees

Thank you for your question. Selection of a suitable vein is part of the training a nurse or any other health professional will have undertaken as part of their phlebotomy training. The veins in the arm are usually the first choice as they are larger and closer to the  surface of the skin.

Other veins can be used if suitable depending on the assessment of the individual’s needs.

Here is some further information that you may find useful:

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-tests/
• The 10th edition of Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical and Cancer Nursing Procedures: https://www.rmmonline.co.uk/