What are some methods for locating veins for venipuncture?

Some methods for locating a vein are to feel rather than look for it, massage the vein into position, and use a tourniquet, according to E Phlebetomy Training. In some cases, it may be better to look for a different puncture site.

In order to feel a vein, a phlebotomist uses an index finger to palpate and trace the vein. A vein that feels bouncy is a good location to puncture, explains E Phlebetomy Training. To massage the vein into position, a phlebotomist can massage the arm from wrist to elbow to increase blood flow into the vein. Tying a tourniquet several inches above the puncture site is another method for locating veins.