Does Hair Affect Vein Detection?
All vein visualization devices use reflected infrared light to detect the vein pattern. The hemoglobin in the blood absorbs some of the infrared and that absorption is used to locate the veins. Since hair can also absorb infrared light you may have a difficult time finding a vein in very hairy locations or with very dark hair.
Users have reported success with matting down the hair with a wet alcohol wipe, however we recommend that you find a different location on the patient for venous access.
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