Finding a vein quickly and accurately is a critical skill for paramedics, especially in high-stress, time-sensitive environments. Tools like the AccuVein and other vein finder devices are helping EMS providers improve IV access success rates by illuminating veins that may be difficult to see or feel. This article explores how paramedics can optimize the use of a vein finder to enhance patient care and reduce insertion attempts in the field.
What is a vein finder?
EMS providers understand the importance of establishing intravenous access quickly, especially with acute patients. When this process is lengthened because the patient is “a tough stick,” it delays the delivery of advanced care, medication and fluid administration.
A vein finder is a tool that helps clinicians visualize veins, valves and bifurcations to enable vascular access quickly and accurately.
How does a vein finder work?
Through the use of infrared technology, a portable vein finder can help locate these key anatomical locations by shining a low powered laser on the surface of the skin, producing a real time image of the veins on a screen. Some less sophisticated vein finders will simply shine an orange/red light on the area where the provider is searching for a vein, illuminating the entire space around the surface of the skin to locate veins.
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How to use a vein finder
AccuVein and similar vein finder devices are non-invasive and safe to use, helping reduce failed IV attempts, especially in patients with difficult access.
- Power on the device
- Position the device
- Scan the area with the vein finder until veins are clearly visible
- Assess vein quality
- Mark or note the site
- Perform IV access
How much does a vein finder cost?
Vein finders can range in price depending on manufacturer, type and age of the device. Prices can vary from a few hundred dollars for portable vein finder devices, to several thousand dollars (the types often seen in hospitals).
The Accuvein: How much is a vein finder?
The Accuvein AV500 is one of the best vein finder solutions in terms of ease of use and in-depth vein visualization. This device is handheld with a small screen for vein viewing. It is permanently aligned, requires no calibration and weighs just 10 ounces. This device mainly works through the use of a class 1 laser shined on the surface of the skin. The Accuvein AV500 also features flexible charging in a cradle or stand, and can run for 2 hours on a single charge. The AV500 varies in price depending on where you purchase it from. Sedation Resource lists the Accuvein AV500 at $4,895. Learn more.
Additional handheld vein finder devices are available on Amazon:
Though EMS long operated without sophisticated tools or gadgets, in this day and age, technology is our friend.Tools like the Accuvein, vein finders and other devices can make our jobs so much easier, saving us time and freeing our hands to handle higher priority tasks. As the EMS industry evolves, I look forward to seeing agencies begin utilizing tools like these.
EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
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