Category
Phlebotomy
Typical Use
Temporarily occlude venous return to facilitate blood draw.
Description
An elastic band applied proximal to the venipuncture site to engorge veins and facilitate needle insertion for blood sampling or IV cannulation, improving vein visibility and palpation. Tourniquet application should be brief (generally under one minute) to avoid hemoconcentration and inaccurate laboratory results, and proper technique includes releasing the tourniquet before sample collection when indicated. Single use or reusable tourniquets must be cleaned or replaced regularly to prevent cross contamination and infection transmission. Phlebotomists are trained in tourniquet placement, vein selection, and patient comfort measures to ensure safe and effective blood collection.