American Medical Technologist (AMT) Practice Exam

From which vein should blood NOT be collected due to its anatomical position?

1. Cephalic vein

2. Median cubital vein

3. Basilic vein

4. Radial vein

The correct answer is: Basilic vein

Blood should not be collected from the basilic vein due to its anatomical position and proximity to important structures. The basilic vein is located on the medial (inner) side of the forearm and arm, making it close to major nerves and arteries. Specifically, it runs alongside the brachial artery and the median nerve, which increases the risk of nerve damage and arterial puncture during venipuncture. In comparison, the median cubital vein, often preferred for blood draws, is centrally located in the antecubital fossa and is usually large and superficial, making it easy to locate and access. The cephalic vein, located on the lateral (outer) side, is similarly accessible, but the basilic vein’s anatomical location poses a higher risk of complications. Collecting blood from the radial vein is less common as it can be more difficult to access and is generally not preferred when larger volumes or multiple samples are needed.