Transillumination Vein Finder Reduces Blood Draw Failure Rate in Children from 12.5% to 2.2%

Blood withdrawal in young children is a frequent source of distress for patients, parents, and healthcare providers. Small veins, poor cooperation, and dark skin all contribute to failed attempts. When multiple punctures are required, the experience becomes traumatic.

A feasibility study conducted at the phlebotomy station of a pediatric university hospital in the Netherlands evaluated whether a transillumination vein finder device could improve blood draw outcomes in children under 6 years of age.

The device
A transillumination vein finder device based on near-infrared technology that visualizes vessels underneath the skin by transmitting light through the tissue. Veins appear as dark lines against a lighter background.

The study design
45 children under 6 years of age underwent blood withdrawal with the transillumination device. Results were compared with 80 children who underwent the procedure without the device. The primary outcome was failure rate, defined as the percentage of procedures requiring more than one puncture.

The results

• Failure rate with device: 2.2% (1 of 45 procedures)

• Failure rate without device: 12.5% (10 of 80 procedures)

• The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.05)

• The device enabled visualization of vessels up to several millimeters deep, even in dark-colored skin

• Operators reported a benefit from the device in 26 of 45 cases; in no case was it reported to have a negative influence

Why it matters
This study demonstrates that a transillumination vein finder device can significantly reduce blood draw failure rates in young children. The ability to visualize veins through dark skin is particularly relevant for diverse patient populations. For pediatric wards, laboratories, and blood collection centers serving children, this data supports transillumination vein visualization as a practical tool for reducing procedure-related trauma and improving first-attempt success.