When the doctor/nurse takes blood from you, why do they try to find a vein, not an artery? And also why is this mainly done on the arm as opposed to other parts of the body?
In: Biology
Arterial blood is harder to get and carries more risks than venous blood and therefore is used only for specific tests.
That being said, if numerous arterial tests are required (such as being placed on a life support machine), then they insert arterial catheter so they can just open a stopcock and draw out blood required for arterial blood but can also be used for tests venous blood is used for. Arterial lines also have sensors so they can read continuous blood pressure.
Latest Answers