Method of using a combination vein contrast enhancer and bar code scanning device
It is known in the art to use an apparatus to enhance the visual appearance of the veins and arteries in a patient to facilitate insertion of needles into those veins and arteries. This application discloses a number of inventions that add additional data collection and presentation capabilities to a handheld vein enhancement apparatus and a set of processes for the collection of blood and the delivery of IV medicines that use the handheld device to mediate the process.
1. A method of facilitating a venipuncture procedure for a patient, using a handheld vein enhancing device, said method comprising:
storing in a memory, a list of identification data for one or more patients, and storing corresponding required venipuncture procedure data; and associating said data for each of the one or more patients with a corresponding bar code on a wrist band;
identifying the patient to receive the venipuncture procedure by using a scanner of said device for scanning of the bar coded patient wrist band using a first wavelength of light, and comparing, by a microprocessor in said device, said scanned bar code to each of the corresponding patient bar codes stored in said memory until said scanned bar code matches one of said stored patient bar codes;
displaying, on a display means of said device, said data for said required venipuncture procedure for said imaged bar code;
gathering equipment needed to perform the required venipuncture procedure, in accordance with said required venipuncture procedure data;
locating one or more subcutaneous veins in a target area on the patient, by scanning said first wavelength of light in a pattern onto the target area, thereby creating a contrasted image of the subcutaneous veins of the target area, resulting from differential absorption and reflection between the subcutaneous veins and the surrounding tissue therein, and by an image capture means receiving said contrasted image and outputting a signal representing said contrasted image to said second laser;
receiving, by said second laser, said signal output by said image capture means; and
emitting, by said second laser, said contrasted image using a second wavelength of light, and scanning said contrasted image onto the target area to overlay the subcutaneous veins therein, for locating a suitable vein for the required venipuncture procedure.
2. The method of performing a venipuncture according to claim 1 , further comprising: storing a list, in said memory, of one or more valid users having required training and privileges to operate said device; and verifying access privileges to said device for a current user, by using an identification means therein to compare said current user to said list of valid users; and permitting use of said device when said current user is a valid user.
3. The method of performing a venipuncture procedure according to claim 2 , wherein said required venipuncture procedure data comprises a quantity of blood to be removed; and wherein said required venipuncture procedure comprises removing blood by filling one or more vials to equal said quantity.
4. The method of performing a venipuncture procedure according to claim 2 , wherein said required venipuncture procedure comprises injecting a medicine; and wherein said required venipuncture procedure data comprises a type of medicine to be injected.