Top 5 Vein Finders Under $100

Whether you work in the ER, OR, ICU or a clinic, most specialty areas of nursing require the placement and use of IVs. Unfortunately, not every patient can be an “easy stick”. Some veins can be quite difficult to locate and access. The good news is there are now tools that can help nurses locate veins with speed and efficiency. 

Many hospitals or clinics have vein finders that can be shared among employees. Some nurses prefer to have a personal tool of their own to use at their convenience. Take a look at the top five affordable vein finders:

#1 Illumivein

What makes it unique

This pocket-sized portable device uses transillumination technology to find and identify suitable veins. When in use, the nurse applies pressure to the vein while slowly shining light on the skin. The vein will appear as a dark shadow against the glow of the red light. A great feature of this vein finder is its size – it is small enough to comfortably fit in a scrub pocket, fanny pack or around the wrist without being too bulky or heavy.

Specifications

This device uses a specific 700 nanometer frequency of light. It looks similar to a miniature flashlight with a black aluminum cover and has a nylon strap to help free your hands as you work. There is an adjustable lens for better focus and visibility. The device uses 3 AAA batteries and can be used with plastic covers to prevent contamination between patients.

Where to buy

illumivein

Cost

$29.95

#2 VeinSeek Pro & VeinScanner Pro

What makes it unique

VeinSeek and VeinScanner are not actually physical devices – they are apps you can download to your smartphone’s camera to find and illuminate veins! VeinSeek Pro was the world’s first vein-finder app. VeinScanner Pro is the follow up app that improves contrast, zoom functionality. It also enhances simulated infrared imaging which replicates lighting similar to other vein finder devices. 

Specifications

Both VeinSeek and VeinScanner use multispectral imaging principles to enhance contrast between veins and skin. VeinSeek is available for iPhone and iOS devices worldwide. It can be used with Android devices but does have certain performance limitations due to differences in camera specifications among Android products. 

Where to buy

Download via the App Store on your smart phone

Cost

For a nurse on a budget, this might be your best bet! VeinScanner can be downloaded for free with the option for In-App purchases. There is a paid version of VeinScanner Pro with a few additional features for $16.99. VeinSeek Pro can be purchased for $5.99.

#3 Respironics Wee Sight Transilluminator Vein Finder

What makes it unique

If you are a nurse in the NICU or PICU and you need a smaller vein finder to accommodate your tiny patients, this vein finder will suit your needs! This vein finder is designed to be placed on a flat surface while your patient’s arm is draped over the device and the veins are illuminated from beneath. This means you can operate the device with one hand and start the IV with the other. 

It is small enough to be used inside an incubator and the light does not emit any heat, so there is no need to worry about burning your patient. 

Specifications

The wavelength output for this device is 629 nanometers. It requires 2 AA batteries for use. Because the device is so small, you can even hold it in the palm of your hand during use rather than resting it on a flat surface. Easy to carry in scrub pockets and take on the go!

Where to buy

MDMaxx.com, Amazon, various medical device distributors 

Cost

$99.99 (prices vary)

#4 UMTEC Infrared Vein Finder

What makes it unique

This lightweight handheld device is another option for a busy nurse. This vein finder has a longer handle which makes usage easy and accessible. The infrared light is emitted from the circle at the end of the wand, illuminating veins beneath. It works for patients of all ages and on varying skin and tissue types. It is not recommended for use on the face or other locations with smaller blood vessels. 

Specifications

This device uses an infrared light wavelength of 850 nanometers and is 100% radiation free. Product dimensions are 11.8 x 20.5 x 9.1 inches and weighs 1.95 lbs. Must be charged using power cable prior to use.

Where to buy

Amazon

Cost

$63.99

#5 USB Infrared Vein Viewer Transilluminator

What makes it unique

This option also uses infrared light to illuminate veins and surrounding structures. The device is held close to the skin where adequate veins will appear as shadows in the viewing area at the end of the wand. It is recommended to be used in a darkened room and not under strong fluorescent lighting. This device works for different age groups and is better for finding superficial veins rather than deeper blood vessels. 

Specifications

This device uses a polymer battery that is recharged via a USB port and can provide up to 100 minutes of power. The lightsource is LED mixed wavelength. The vein finder is black weighs approximately 1.5 ounces. Product dimensions are approximately 0.73 x 5.71 x 0.59 inches. 

Where to buy

Aliexpress

Cost

$38.17

Why are vein finders needed?

Most specialty areas of nursing require the placement and use of IV medications, fluids or infusions. For some patients with chronic illnesses that require ongoing treatment, placement of an adequate IV can be critical or even life saving.

Patients with difficult vasculature no doubt have many stories of nurses, phlebotomists, and other medical professionals struggling to get the right “stick”. 

This can be a painful and frustrating process on both the part of the patient as well as the nurse. When you combine that with other challenges (such as a squirmy or fearful pediatric patient), it makes the IV process even more tricky. 

Placing an IV quickly and accurately is an important part of care delivery. Having a good vein finder can make all the difference.

How do you pick the right vein finder?

Consider the following factors when selecting a vein finder for your particular needs:

• What are the ages of the patients you work with?
• Do you typically need to find veins that are deeper or more superficial?
• Where do you plan to keep this device? Do you plan to carry it with you during your shift? 
• Do any of your co-workers own a personal vein finder? What are their thoughts about a particular product?

Next Steps

There are many options for vein finder devices out there – most are quite expensive. You might be lucky enough to work at a facility that owns a vein finder device worth thousands of dollars. While these are excellent options, many nurses enjoy having a personal device for their own convenience. These affordable options often give great results. Make one part of your nurse’s toolkit!