New vein-locating technology could make blood donations easier

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If you have hard-to-find veins, donating blood or giving a blood sample can feel torturous instead of like a routine medical procedure.

New technology being tested in Australia hopes to illuminate veins to take the guesswork out of drawing blood. By using a harmless near-infrared light beam directed at the skin, the blood's hemoglobin absorbs the light and the veins are illuminated, making it easier for health care workers to identify good veins for a blood draw.

The handheld scanning device is portable, so it can be used in a variety of settings.

The Australian Red Cross is currently testing the new device at blood donation centers in Sydney.

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