Use the largest vein and the smallest gauge catheter.

Apply a tourniquet 4″ to 6″ (10 to 15.5 cm) above the puncture site.

Leave the tourniquet in place for no longer than 3 minutes.

Lower the patient’s arm below the heart and have him pump his fist (not make a fist).

Try the cephalic and basilic veins first. (They have large lumens and the best blood flow, and they’re more durable and comfortable.)

Lightly palpate the vein with the index and middle fingers of your nondominant hand.

Stretch the skin to anchor the vein.

Put on gloves and clean the site with a facility-approved antimicrobial solution using a vigorous side-to-side motion.

If you’re using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate swabs, use a vigorous back-and-forth motion, then allow 30 seconds for the solution to dry.