Willis-Knighton Health System has implemented the AccuVein AV400 vein illumination system on the nursing units at all four of its hospitals. AccuVein’s vein illumination system is designed to help healthcare professionals locate veins for venipuncture. It uses a safe beam of light, projected onto a patient’s arm, to reveal a map of the peripheral veins on the skin’s surface.

Venipuncture is the most common invasive medical procedure worldwide with an estimated 2.7 million procedures conducted every day in the United States alone. Studies reveal up to one third of attempts to access a vein fail the first time, creating unnecessary patient discomfort as well as additional costs. Improving first-stick attempts is a goal for healthcare providers.

Even the most experienced healthcare professionals can have difficulty accessing veins safely and quickly the first time. While this will be available for use on adult and pediatric units throughout the hospital, the patient care staff will find it helpful with patients who are dehydrated, obese, have low body temperature, whose veins roll and those who have had frequent venipuncture during treatments.

“This is going to be good for the nursing staff but even better for our patients,” Georgia Stephens, MSN, RN, patient care coordinator for staff development at Willis-Knighton Medical Center, said.“It illuminates the arm so the veins are easy to see. The AccuVein System does not touch the patient. Its use will enhance the comfort and safety of the patient and increase nursing efficiency.”