Fat, or obese patients, have more fat around their veins which can make it difficult to find the vein for drawing blood or starting an IV.
While traditionally a nurse would use their hands to feel for a vein, many hospitals are now using vein finders to help reduce the amount of time it takes to find a vein and start treatment.
There are many different types of vein finders on the market, so how do you select the right one for your hospital? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the features to look for when choosing a vein finder, so keep reading to learn more.
Why Do Obese People Need Vein Finder
In the medical field, it is well-known that obese patients often have difficulties finding a proper vein for insertion. Yet what we don’t know is that there are certain reasons that may cause obese patients to have difficulties with finding a proper vein for insertion:
Obese People Have Larger Circumference
The main reason why obese people have difficulties with finding a proper vein for insertion is that they have a larger circumference. Since their circumference is larger, it is harder for the needle to penetrate through their skin and reach the vein.
Obese People Often Have Loose Skin
Another reason why obese people have difficulties with finding a proper vein for insertion is that they often have loose skin. This is because the excess fat in their body often causes the skin to stretch and become loose. As a result, it is harder for the needle to penetrate through the skin and reach the vein.
Obese People Often Have Lower Body Temperature
Another reason why obese people have difficulties with finding a proper vein for insertion is that they often have lower body temperature. This is because the excess fat in their body often causes the body to lose heat. As a result, the veins are often not as visible and are harder to find.
So, how do you select a right vein finder for an obese patient?
First of all, you’re gonna have to understand the main types of vein finders. There are two main types of vein finders:
- Infrared Vein Finder
- Ultrasound Vein Finder
The infrared vein finder uses infrared light to detect the veins while on the other hand, while the ultrasound vein finder uses sound waves to detect the veins.
Even though both the infrared vein finder and ultrasound vein finder are effective in detecting veins, the ultrasound vein finder is more accurate. Moreover, the ultrasound vein finder is also more comfortable for the patient as it does not emit any light.
However, the ultrasound vein finder is more expensive than the infrared vein finder, also they are not portable at all. So, the decision of which vein finder to choose depends on the individual needs of the patient, but keep in mind that both the devices are quite effective for obese patients.
What to Look for While Choosing a Vein Finder for Obese Person
While shopping for a vein finder for a healthy or obese person, there are certain factors that you need to consider:
Intensity of Light
The first thing you need to look for while choosing a vein finder is the intensity of light. The higher the intensity of light, the better the device will be at detecting the veins.
Wave Length
Another important thing you need to look for while choosing a vein finder is the wavelength. The shorter the wavelength, the better the device will be at detecting the veins.
Choose the Device with FDA Approval
Make sure that the device you’re choosing has FDA approval. This will ensure that the device is safe to use and is effective in detecting the veins. Any device without FDA approval or CE certification shouldn’t be used.
Consider the Portability
As obese people can have difficulty moving around, it is important to consider the portability of the device, so that it can be easily transported from one place to another. Choose a device that is lightweight and portable so that it can be easily carried around.
How to Use a Vein Finder on Obese Patient
Once you have selected the right vein finder for an obese patient, it is important to know how to properly use the device.
- First of all, you need to clean the area where you will be using the device.
- After that, you need to apply some gel to the skin.
- Then, you need to hold the device against the skin and move it around until the vein is found.
- Once the vein is found, you need to insert the needle into the vein.
- After that, you need to remove the device and apply a bandage to the area.
That’s it! These are the steps you need to follow when using a vein finder on an obese patient. Keep in mind that it is important to be gentle while using the device as the skin of obese people is quite sensitive. Also, make sure to sterilize the device before and after each use.
FAQs
Q: What is the best vein finder for an obese patient?
A: It depends on the individual needs of the patient, but ultrasound vein finders are generally more accurate and comfortable for obese patients. However, they can’t be used in homes, therefore infrared vein finders are a good option too.
Q: Do obese people have difficulty moving around?
A: Yes, obese people can have difficulty moving around. That’s why it is recommended to buy a lightweight and portable vein finder.
Q: Is there any special care that needs to be taken while using a vein finder on an obese patient?
A: Yes, it is important to be gentle while using the device as the skin of obese people is quite sensitive. Also, make sure to sterilize the device before and after each use. Other than that, vein finders are quite safe to use.
Takeaway
Vein finders can be a valuable tool in the medical field, but it is important to select the right type of vein finder for each individual patient. With obesity on the rise, it is especially important to consider the needs of obese patients when selecting a vein finder.
We hope that this article has been helpful in educating you on how to select the best vein finder for your needs.