Frequently Asked Questions   

How does the light work?

The new Venoscope^® II transilluminator works by directing a high intensity light down into the subcutaneous tissue and creating a uniform area of orangish reflection of the fatty tissue. The light is flush with the skin and by moving it around the extremity you will be able to see a dark line between the two arms when you come across a vein.. The dark line is the vein. The vein's deoxygenated blood absorbs the light whereas the fatty tissue reflects the light.
 

How do I know that the dark line is a vein and not a tendon?

After you have located the dark line you can easily tell if it is a vein and also if it is soft and patent or sclerotic. All you have to do is simply depress both arms of the light on either side of the dark line. If the line disappears and then reappears when you release the pressure, it is a vein that is capable of transmitting fluids and medications. If the dark line does not "blanch", disappear and reappear, it is not a vein and you should not stick it. This could result in serious complications for the patient and the practitioner.
 

Is the Venoscope^® II easy to use?

The Venoscope^® II is light, weighing less than 7 ounces, and it is extremely portable. You prep the patient, tourniquet etc., and then dim the room lights in order for the light to perform best. The room does not have to be pitch dark and you can gradually increase the ambient lighting as you become more comfortable with the presentation of the vein.
 
Once you have located and evaluated the vein, you can mark it with a surgical marking pen or some other method of targeting the vein. Then you can increase the ambient lighting and proceed as you would normally to cannulate the vein. If you prefer, you can reverse the Venoscope^® II and attach it to the patient's arm with tape and proceed to cannulate the target vein between the two arms with the light attached.
 

Why do I need it, I am very good at starting IVs?

We have asked hundreds if not thousands of nurses if they felt they would/could use the Venoscope^® transilluminator. Most stated that they in fact have had difficult patients where the use of the Venoscope^® would have made life easier for them and their patients. The question then becomes: Why not have a Venoscope^® available for those difficult sticks? If the Venoscope^® can reduce the number of sticks and improve the whole experience, why not use it for the benefit of all concerned. Clearly, blind sticks are seldom successful and can result in serious complications, even legal proceedings. The cost of the new Venoscope^® II, $150.00, is comparable to a good stethescope. There is no reason not to have one for your peace of mind in knowing that you have the ability to improve your first stick IV success rate.
 

Does the room have to be pitch dark?

No it doesn’t but the darker the better especially when you are learning how to use the light. As you become more familiar with the depiction of the veins you will find that you can locate veins in more lighted conditions.
 

How do I clean the light?

You can use alcohol or bleach solution but do not submerge the light.
 

What are the Disposable Protective Covers used for?

The Disposable Protective Covers are CLEAN and not sterile. They are used on high risk patients where you do not want fluids contaminating the light.
 

The light has two intensity settings, hi and low, which one should I use?

You will generally use the higher setting on all patients. The low setting works better sometimes to bring the vein into sharper focus. The low setting is also for small neonates where the high setting seems to blow through the tiny arm.
 

I have done everything and I still don’t see any veins, what should I do?

If you tried in a dark room and were unable to find anything, then you can either perform a blind stick or suggest a cut down procedure. Obviously there are no veins available.
 

Does it work on obese patients?

Obese patients are a special challenge. Generally they are sedentary and their small venous network is obscured by the fatty tissue. On these patients you will do best to go for veins on the back pad of the hand. However, every patient is different, and you may be delighted to find great veins with the light.
 

How does it work on dark skinned patients?

It works like magic on all but the very darkest skin. On the darker skin the area of illumination is greatly reduced and you will be concentrating on the small illuminated area between the arms. You verify the vein by pressing down and releasing as usual.
 

How do I use the light to check for infiltration?

You can check for infiltration with a simple scan with the Venoscope^®. You located the dark line, verified it and started the IV. If you look again at the vein with the catheter in place and do not see the dark line you can expect infiltration. The fluid has infiltrated into the interstitial tissue and all you see is the glow from the reflecting tissue and fluid and no vein.
 

What do the patients think about the Venoscope^®?

Most think it a novel approach to locating veins and they are ecstatic when the nurse shows them their vein. When the IV is started with one stick they are very happy and generally ask "Why didn’t you use it before now?". Rest assured, they will tell their doctor and friends about the new Venoscope^® and how it helped reduce their discomfort.
 

This looks complicated, how long does it take?

The first few times that you use the light will take the longest, probably less than 10 minutes to do the assessment. Once you "see the picture" you should be able to assess a patient in a few minutes because you can easily recognize the good veins.
 

The light feels warm after being on for a few minutes. Will it burn the patients?

NO, the light temperature has been measured at 95 degree F, below body temperature, after 15 minutes continuous on.
 

Is the Venoscope^® II FDA approved and approved for use in Europe?

Yes, the Venoscope^® has FDA 510k premarket approval and is CE marked
 

How do I know when to change the batteries?

The red LED on top of the switch will illuminate each time you turn the light on. It will check the circuitry and then go out if the batteries are good. When the red LED stays on, it is time to change the 3 AA alkaline batteries. New batteries should last 10-12 hours continuous on and many hours in normal use.
 

If the bulbs burn out, who do I call?

The bulbs are rated in excess of 5,000 hours, however, some fail early. The Venoscope^® is sealed and the bulbs cannot be changed. If it fails within one year from purchase, simply call us and we will replace it with a new one at no cost to you.
 

Who do I call if I have a problem?

Call your resident expert or call Jon at 0845 838 5510 for any questions you may have. He can walk you through the process on the phone.
 

Other departments within the hospital want a Venoscope^®, who do I tell them to call?

All ordering information is engraved on the inside of the battery cover including our phone number 0845 838 5520 and our web site www.veinaccess.com
 

 
Thank you for using the new Venoscope^® II. Above all, have fun with the Venoscope^®. Engage the patients and show them how easy it is to find good veins. Their anxiety level will decrease and they will become involved in the procedure rather than just sit and bear the pain.