Which needle gauge is typically used for routine venipuncture?

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The 21-gauge needle is commonly used for routine venipuncture because it strikes an ideal balance between facilitating adequate blood flow and minimizing discomfort for the patient. This gauge size is wide enough to allow for a smooth draw of blood, helping to reduce the time it takes to fill the collection tubes, but not so large that it causes excessive trauma or pain to the vein.

Using needles that are too large, such as a 19-gauge, can lead to difficulties such as increased pain and risk of hematoma formation, while needles that are too small, like a 23-gauge or 25-gauge, may not accommodate the rapid collection of blood that is often desired during routine draws and can be prone to clogging or collapsing veins, especially in larger patients or in cases where multiple tubes need to be collected quickly. Thus, the 21-gauge needle is generally favored for its efficiency and patient comfort in routine venipuncture procedures.

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