Which vein lies on the outer side of the upper arm and is used for venipuncture?

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

Answer: (B)

The outer (lateral) upper-arm vein used for venipuncture is the cephalic vein. Its position along the outer side of the arm makes it a superficial and accessible target for drawing blood in many patients, especially when the elbow area is less favorable or when forearm veins are not suitable.

The basilic vein sits on the inner (medial) side of the arm and is closer to deeper structures, which can make it harder to access. The median cubital vein is located in the elbow crease (antecubital fossa) and often serves as the first choice for venipuncture, not on the outer upper arm. There isn’t a standard “median vein” typically used for venipuncture.