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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Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez