antecubital fossa

Medical term Routine Blood Collections

The hollow at the front of the elbow where the median cubital, cephalic and basilic veins lie; the main venipuncture area.

Sources

• Nikolac N, Supak-Smolcic V, Simundic AM, Celap I. Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine: national recommendations for venous blood sampling (based on CLSI H3-A6). Biochem Med 2013;23(3):242-254 (PMC3900082) · Biochemia Medica via PubMed Central
• Chang J, et al. Standards and Practice Guidelines for Venous Blood Collection: Consensus Recommendations from the Korean Society for Laboratory Medicine. Ann Lab Med 2025;45(4):343-357 (PMC12187494) · Annals of Laboratory Medicine via PubMed Central
• Anatomy and Physiology 2e, Chapter 20 Key Terms · OpenStax

Related terms

• venipunctureEntering a vein with a needle to withdraw blood, usually at the antecubital area of the arm.
• acid citrate dextroseACD: additive in pale yellow-top tubes; WHO lists HLA tissue typing, paternity testing and DNA studies.
• additiveAnything put in a collection tube on purpose, such as an anticoagulant, clot activator, separator gel or…
• anchoringHolding the skin taut with the thumb below the site, pulling toward the hand, so the vein stays still as the…
• anemiaToo few red cells or too little hemoglobin, lowering oxygen delivery. Repeated blood draws can contribute…
• antibodyA protein the immune system makes against a specific antigen. Antibodies against foreign red-cell antigens…
• anticoagulantPrevents clotting: tube additives like EDTA, citrate and heparin, and blood thinners like warfarin, which…
• antigenA marker the immune system recognizes. Red-cell antigens such as A, B and the Rh factor decide a person's…
• antisepticA germ-killing agent for skin and living tissue, such as 70% isopropyl alcohol for routine venipuncture…

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