Which vein is located near the brachial artery and is the third choice for venipuncture?

• A. Cephalic Vein
• B. Median Vein
• C. Basilic Vein
• D. Median Cubital Vein

Answer: (C)

When drawing blood, you want a vein that’s easy to feel, easy to puncture, and away from arteries or nerves. In the typical pattern of elbow-area veins, the median cubital vein sits in the front and is the easiest to access, so it’s the first choice. If that isn’t suitable, the cephalic vein on the outer (lateral) side is used next. The vein on the inner (medial) side, which runs close to the brachial artery, is the basilic vein. Because it lies near the brachial artery and can be deeper and harder to palpate, it’s more challenging to access and carries a higher risk of complications. For that reason, it’s chosen after the other two veins have been considered, making it the third option for venipuncture.