Blood donation teams train with 'night vision' technology

NHS Blood and Transplant is now using vein scanners to help train donor carers to carry out venepunctures for blood donation.

The scanners will help trainees to understand the structure of the veins and arteries in the donor’s arm.

They use near infrared light – as used in night vision goggles – to provide real time images.

The scanners will compliment NHSBT’s existing venepuncture training. The viewers can’t fully assess depth and size of the blood vessels so the trainees will still need to learn the touch and dexterity to physically examine the donor.

NHSBT has bought nine of the VeinViewer Flex machines, which will be used at three training sites.