As the name suggests, vein finder lights are used to help locate veins. Veins can be difficult to find, particularly if a person has dark skin or is overweight. This can make it difficult for medical professionals to administer injections or draw blood.
That’s where vein finder lights come in. These pesky little lights help the user to see the veins just below the surface of the skin, making it easier to insert a needle or catheter.
But how does it work? Let’s find out!
Contents
What is a Vein Finder Light
A vein finder light is basically a near-infrared light or an LED light that helps locate veins beneath the skin. The light is reflected differently by oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, so veins appear as dark lines against a lighter background.
How Does it Work
So, you may be wondering how exactly a vein finding light works. Well, the answer lies in the reflective properties of blood.
When the light hits your skin, some of it is reflected back while some of it is absorbed by the hemoglobin in your blood.
The ratio of light that is reflected versus absorbed depends on the composition of what it’s hitting – and blood happens to be very good at reflecting red light.
Oxygenated blood has a higher absorption rate than deoxygenated blood, so veins appear darker when viewed with a vein finder light. The lights are usually bright enough to illuminate veins up to a depth of 3-5mm beneath the surface of the skin.
So when a medical professional uses a vein finder light, they are essentially looking for areas where there is a high concentration of blood – and thus, a higher reflectivity of red light. This allows them to more easily find your veins, especially if they are small or difficult to see.
Where is it Used
Vein finder lights are most commonly used in medical devices such as IV start kits, blood drawing devices, and vein viewers.
They are also used in some cosmetic procedures, such as sclerotherapy (a treatment for spider veins) and laser hair removal.
The scope of where vein finder lights can be used is constantly expanding as new medical and cosmetic technologies are developed.
Best Vein Finders that Use Vein Finding Light Technology
There are many different brands and types of vein finders on the market. Some use near-infrared light while others use LED lights.
Some of the best vein finders that use vein finding light technology include the following:
AimVein Vein Finder:
AimVein vein finder is a small, lightweight, and portable device that uses near-infrared light technology to easily locate veins. It has a wide range of settings to accommodate different skin tones and depths and comes with a carrying case for easy transport. The AimVein devices are all CE-certified making them some of the safest vein-finding devices on the market to use this technology.
AccuVein Vein Viewers:
AccuVein is another leading provider of vein finder devices. This device is still a good choice if you’re looking for an easy-to-operate vein finder. Their vein viewers use patented Green LED light technology to make veins more visible. The light is harmless and does not penetrate the skin, making it a safe choice for both medical professionals and patients.
Veinlite Vein Locating Device:
Finally, we have this vein viewer from Veinlite. This device is similar to the AccuVein device in that it uses Green LED light technology, but it also has a few unique features that make it stand out. The Veinlite has interchangeable heads that allow you to choose between a wide or pinpoint beam, making it more versatile than other devices on the market.
FAQs
How does Vein Finder Light Work
A vein finder light is a near-infrared light or an LED light that helps locate veins beneath the skin. The light is reflected differently by oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, so veins appear as dark lines against a lighter background.
Is it safe to use a Vein Finder Light?
Though there haven’t been any definitive studies on the long-term effects of using a vein finder light, there is no evidence to suggest that it is unsafe. The light does not harm the skin, so it poses no known risks.
Can you use a Vein Finder Light at home?
There are some vein finder lights on the market that are designed for at-home use, but it is always best to consult with a medical professional before using one. Serious vein conditions should be treated by a doctor.
Are vein finding lights accurate?
Yes, vein finder lights are generally accurate in locating veins. However, accuracy may be affected by factors such as skin tone, depth of the veins, and the type of light used.
How much does a Vein Finder Light cost?
Vein finder lights can range in price from $30 to $300, depending on the brand, features, and quality. The price may also vary depending upon the type and brand of vein finder they are used in.
Why are Vein Finder Lights useful?
Vein finder lights are useful because they can help make veins more visible, making it easier to start an IV or draw blood. They can also be used in cosmetic procedures, such as sclerotherapy and laser hair removal.
Takeaway
So, how does this seemingly magic device actually work? As it turns out, vein finder light is based on a relatively simple principle. The light emitted by the device is absorbed by oxygenated blood, which then reflects the light back to the sensor.
The sensor then converts the reflected light into an image that can be viewed on a screen. This image allows doctors and nurses to more easily locate veins, which can make procedures like intravenous therapy and blood tests much easier and less stressful for patients.
So the next time you see a vein finder in action, remember that it’s not magic…it’s just science! We hope you’ve found this information useful and that it has answered any questions you may have had about these handy devices.
