Where should the tourniquet be placed for a hand vein draw?

• A. On the wrist
• B. On the elbow
• C. On the upper arm
• D. Around the neck

Answer: (A)

When drawing from hand veins, you want the tourniquet placed just above the hand so venous blood pools in the hand and veins become visible and easy to palpate. The wrist is the location that sits proximal to the hand, so applying the tourniquet there distends the hand’s veins without hindering access to the puncture site. A tourniquet around the neck is dangerous and never used, and placing it on the upper arm or elbow would distance the distension away from the hand veins and isn’t the standard approach for a hand vein draw. Remember to apply just enough pressure to slow venous return and remove promptly once blood flow begins.