Vein finders are devices that emit low-level infrared light. This light is absorbed more by oxygenated blood than by deoxygenated blood. The difference in absorption causes the vein to appear as a dark line on the skin’s surface.
Vein finders can be used on children of all ages, including infants. The light emitted by the vein finder is not harmful to the child in any way.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a vein finder on a child.
- The first is that the child should be relaxed. If the child is anxious or fidgeting, it will be more difficult to locate the veins.
- The second is to avoid using the vein finder on areas of the body that are bruised or scarred. The light from the vein finder can cause these areas to appear darker than they actually are, making it more difficult to locate the veins.
- Lastly, it is important to keep in mind that the vein finder is not 100% accurate. There are times when the vein finder will not be able to find the vein, even if it is there. In these cases, it is best to try another method of finding the vein, such as palpation or using a tourniquet.
If you are having difficulty using the vein finder on a child, it is best to seek out the help of a medical professional. They will be able to help you locate the veins and ensure that the device is being used properly.
What Type of Vein Finders are Best to Use on Children
There are a few different types of vein finders that can be used on children.
The Handheld
The most common type is the handheld device. These devices are small and easy to use. They can be placed on the skin and moved around until the vein is found. Portable vein finder like Aimvein Go 2.0 is a good option, they’ve got a good reputation in the industry. Also, they’re quite easy to operate, and are portable and battery powered devices which you can take along with you anywhere.
The Wand
The second type of vein finder is the wand. Wands are larger than handheld devices and are usually used in hospitals or clinics. They emit a stronger light, which can make it easier to find the vein.
The Patch
The third type of vein finder is the patch. Patches are small adhesive pads that are placed on the skin. They emit a steady light, which makes it easier to find the vein.
Which type of vein finder is best to use on a child depends on the individual child. Some children may be more cooperative when using a handheld device, while others may do better with a wand or patch. It is important to experiment with different types of vein finders to see which one works best for the child.
How to Use the Handheld Infrared Vein Finder | The Right Way to do it
Using a handheld infrared vein finder is a simple process.
- First, the device is turned on and the light is allowed to warm up for about 30 seconds.
- Next, the device is placed on the skin and moved around until the vein is found. The light from the device will make the vein appear as a dark line on the skin.
- Once the vein is found, the device is moved up and down the length of the vein. This helps to ensure that the needle will be placed in the correct location.
- After the needle is inserted, the device is removed from the skin.
- The entire process should take less than a minute.
It is important to keep in mind that not all veins are the same size. The larger the vein, the easier it will be to find. If the vein is small, it may be necessary to move the device around more before the vein is found.
Using a handheld infrared vein finder is a quick and easy way to find veins. It is important to remember that the device is not 100% accurate and there are times when the vein will not be found. In these cases, it is best to try another method of finding the vein.
FAQs About Vein Finders and Using Them On Children
Q: Is it safe to use a vein finder on a child?
A: Yes, vein finders are safe to use on children. They emit a low level of infrared light, which is not harmful to the skin.
Q: Can all types of vein finders be used on children?
A: Yes, all types of vein finders can be used on children. This includes handheld, wand, and patch devices.
Q: How old does a child need to be before they can use a vein finder?
A: There is no minimum age for using a vein finder on a child. They can be used on newborns, infants, toddlers, and children of all ages.
Q: Do you require any professional training to use a vein finder?
A: No, you do not need any professional training to use a vein finder. Anyone can learn how to use the device with a little practice.
Q: How accurate are vein finders?
A: Vein finders are not 100% accurate. There are times when the device will not be able to find the
vein. In these cases, it is best to try another method of finding the vein.
Q: How long does it take to use a vein finder?
A: The entire process should take less than a minute.
Q: Can vein finders be used on animals?
A: Yes, vein finders can be used on animals. They are commonly used on pets, such as dogs and cats. However, make sure to shave off any hair or fur in the area where you will be using the device, as this can make it difficult to find the vein.
The Bottom Line
Can vein finders be used on children? The short answer is yes. Vein finders emit a harmless, near-infrared light that reflects off of blood vessels and helps clinicians locate veins for venipuncture procedures.
When used correctly, they can help reduce the number of needle sticks required, as well as anxiety and pain for both the child and the provider. As with any medical device, there are potential risks associated with their use; however, these devices have been proven to be safe and effective when used as intended.
If you have questions about whether or not a vein finder can be used on your child, we hope that this article has helped to provide some clarity. As always, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns that you may have.
