Vein illuminators ease blood draw process

The introduction of a new tool that eases blood draws and IV placement is a resounding success, according to Eileen Wright, clinical nurse educator at Swedish Covenant Hospital. Nine vein illuminators were deployed throughout inpatient units and the emergency department. The illuminators were made possible by generous donations to Swedish Covenant Hospital.AccuVein Vein Illuminators are leading-edge devices that allow health care professionals to see a map of peripheral veins on the skin’s surface. The devices assist the nursing staff in reaching their goal of accessing a vein to draw blood or begin an IV infusion on the first attempt.Staff members who have been trained to use the new devices have shared their positive feedback about the ease of use – especially with difficult sticks. From a new graduate nurse who credited the illuminator with helping to visualize a good vein after three unsuccessful IV starts, to a nurse who was able to start an IV on the first attempt on patient that would have been considered a difficult stick.“We are continually working to improve the care provided to our patients,” Eileen said. “Our nurses are very pleased to be using a product that can influence their development of venipuncture skills while enhancing patient experience. There have already been many positive stories that illustrate significant patient satisfaction through the use of the AccuVein device.”In addition to adults with difficult to draw veins, the illuminators provide a positive distraction for pediatric patients who are frightened of having blood collected.Because of the success of the new devices, the Swedish Covenant Foundation recently granted funds for the purchase of additional devices to be used in the Foster and Galter Medical Pavilion outpatient labs.To learn more about supporting patient care initiatives at Swedish Covenant Hospital, contact the Foundation at foundation@swedishcovenant.org or 773-293-5121.