Pressure of circulating blood against artery walls, recorded as systolic/diastolic in mm Hg. A cuff used in place of a tourniquet is inflated just below diastolic.
Special Collections, question 3A donor's blood flow is well established 40 seconds after the needle enters the vein, with the blood pressure cuff still inflated. What…
Related terms
arteryA vessel carrying blood away from the heart under high pressure. It pulses when palpated, which helps the…
tourniquetBand tied 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in, about 4 to 5 finger widths) above the site to slow venous return so veins…
antisepticA germ-killing agent for skin and living tissue, such as 70% isopropyl alcohol for routine venipuncture…
atriumAn upper heart chamber. The right one collects blood coming back from the body; the left one collects…
basilic veinVein on the little-finger side of the antecubital area; the last choice, because the brachial artery and…
bevelThe slanted, sharp tip of a needle. For venipuncture the bevel faces up as the needle enters the vein.
blood transfer deviceSafety device for moving syringe blood into vacuum tubes; the tube vacuum draws the blood in, so the plunger…
brachial pulseThe pulse of the brachial artery at the inner elbow. The artery runs near the basilic vein, which is why…
calcaneusThe heel bone. An infant heel puncture that reaches it can cause bone infection (osteomyelitis).
capillaryThe smallest blood vessel, where oxygen, nutrients and wastes pass between blood and tissue. A skin puncture…