How a Low-Cost Vein Finder Achieved 94% Accuracy Across All Skin Tones in Indonesia

Venipuncture is especially challenging in patients with dark skin, where melanin absorbs near-infrared light and reduces vein contrast. In Indonesia, where nurses report low venipuncture proficiency, this problem is compounded by limited access to affordable vein visualization tools.

To address this gap, a research team at Dian Nuswantoro University in Semarang, Indonesia, developed Melanveer — a low-cost, portable vein detection device. It combines near-infrared light with Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE), an image-processing algorithm that enhances vein contrast in real time.

The study
The prototype was tested on 20 patients whose skin tones ranged from very light to very dark brown. The goal was to evaluate detection accuracy, workflow efficiency, and patient comfort.

The results

• 94% vein detection accuracy across all skin tones tested

• Improved efficiency for healthcare workers during puncture

• Better patient comfort compared with standard practice

Why it matters
This case shows that dark-skin vein visualization does not require high-cost equipment. A portable, affordable device with the right optical setup and image-processing algorithm can perform reliably across the full spectrum of skin tones — a practical option for clinics, blood collection centers, and hospitals in resource-limited settings.

For healthcare providers serving diverse populations, Melanveer demonstrates that skin tone should not be a barrier to successful venipuncture.