What is the recommended venipuncture site for drawing blood for a lead level on an 18-month-old toddler?

The recommended venipuncture site for drawing blood for a lead level on an 18-month-old toddler is the superficial dorsal hand veins. This site is often preferred for young children because it is generally more accessible and less intimidating than the larger veins found in the arm, which can be more difficult to clean and stabilize in smaller patients. The superficial veins in the hand are typically close to the surface and can provide a reliable sample with minimal risk of complications.

In younger patients, comfort and minimizing anxiety are crucial, making hand veins a better choice compared to more complex sites. Using the median cubital vein or the cephalic vein may not be appropriate for toddlers due to the risk of multiple attempts or difficulty in locating the vein. The femoral vein, while it can be used in some situations, is not a common site for routine blood draws in children due to higher associated risks and the need for more invasive techniques. Therefore, the superficial dorsal hand veins present a sensible and effective solution for blood draws in toddlers.