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Veins to avoid

Selecting the wrong vein for infusion therapy can increase the risk of complications. Whenever possible, avoid the following types of veins:

veins in areas of limb flexion, including the antecubital fossa, to prevent the movement of the catheter in and out of the insertion site
red, swollen, sclerosed, or bruised veins
small, superficial veins
veins damaged by infiltration, extravasation, or phlebitis
veins in a limb on the same side where a mastectomy was performed or where a dialysis line is present
veins in a limb affected by a cerebrovascular accident
veins near an obviously infected area
veins of a surgically compromised extremity
veins in the legs