Tap the vein hard which will ‘get the vein up’, especially if the patient has fragile veins. This will avoid bruising afterwards.

It is unavoidable and an acceptable consequence of the procedure. This should be explained and documented in the patient’s notes.

Choosing a soft, bouncy vein that refills when depressed and is easily detected, and advising the patient to keep their arm straight whilst firm pressure is applied.

Apply pressure to the vein early before the needle is removed, then get the patient to bend the arm at a right angle whilst applying firm pressure