What are the common sites for venipuncture?

The common sites for venipuncture are indeed the antecubital fossa, dorsal hand veins, and wrist veins. The antecubital fossa, located in the bend of the elbow, is typically the preferred site because it contains large veins, like the median cubital vein, which are relatively easy to access. The dorsal hand veins are also commonly used, especially when the antecubital fossa is not suitable or accessible. Wrist veins are considered as a secondary site when the other options are not available, providing some versatility in practice.

In contrast, the other options include sites that are not standard for venipuncture. Forearm arteries and finger pads are not typically utilized for drawing blood; arteries carry oxygenated blood to the tissues, and accessing finger pads may not yield enough volume for testing. Foot veins and neck veins can be more complicated to access and may carry higher risks for complications or contamination, making them less favorable for routine venipuncture. Similarly, the chest and back areas are not conventional venipuncture sites due to anatomical challenges and the presence of essential structures that could lead to higher risks during a blood draw.