Laskimopistoja

Laskimopistoja is a Finnish term describing punctures of veins, most commonly performed in medical settings to obtain blood samples or to administer intravenous therapy. The concept corresponds to venipuncture in English and can refer to peripheral venipuncture as well as the placement of short peripheral intravenous catheters.

Common puncture sites include veins in the antecubital fossa, such as the median cubital vein, and other accessible forearm or dorsal hand veins. The choice of site depends on vein visibility, accessibility, patient comfort, and the purpose of the puncture.

The typical procedure involves securing the patient, applying a tourniquet, selecting an appropriate needle or catheter and collection system, cleaning the skin with an antiseptic, puncturing the vein, and either collecting blood or advancing the catheter. After the procedure, the tourniquet is released and a pressure bandage is applied. Techniques may vary with the use of vacutainers, butterfly needles, or safety-driven devices, and ultrasound guidance may be employed for difficult access.

Safety and risk considerations emphasize aseptic technique, appropriate needle size, and careful vein selection. Potential complications include transient pain, bruising or hematoma, infection, phlebitis, and rarely nerve injury. Informed consent is standard when invasive venipuncture or cannulation is performed.

Etymology: laskimo means vein and pisto means puncture or injection; laskimopistoja is the plural form.

See also: phlebotomy, venipuncture, intravenous therapy.