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To use or not to use a tourniquet ?


A tourniquet should be used only if it is absolutely needed. If your veins are easy to access, please do not use a tourniquet. Most beginning PWID (people who inject drugs) will be able to access their superficial veins without one.


 

How to find a good vein without using a tourniquet ?


Different techniques can be used to make superficial veins more accessible.

On a shorter time scope, several techniques may help to get veins visible just before injection :

  • Tighten and loosen your fist to pump the blood.

  • Turn the arm in the air.

  • Any vigorous exercise.

  • Let the arm hang down.

  • Run the arm under hot water.

In a longer time scope, remember that bigger muscles are well irrigated. Regular exercise helps you to get bigger muscles that need more blood to feed them. They thus have bigger veins that are more prominent and easier to find.