Median cubital vein

Looks like

The short, slanting surface vein at the front of the elbow, linking the cephalic and basilic veins.

What it does

Shunts blood from the cephalic to the basilic vein.

Keeping it well

The usual vein for blood tests: large, fixed and easy to reach. Bruising after a sample is common and harmless.

Related conditions

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Clotting disorders (thrombophilia & APS)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Varicose veins