Blind Stick

When resuscitating neonates vascular access is often a challenge. While IV and IO attempts are ongoing, the ability to obtain a small amount of blood for point-of-care testing of, for example, glucose, hemoglobin, electrolytes, and venous blood gas, can be valuable. One method is the “blind stick”, attempting to hit a venous plexus in the upper volar forearm blindly. Note: this method should only be used in emergent resuscitation conditions, as complications such as hematoma formation can occur.