What is the primary purpose of using a tourniquet during venipuncture?

The primary purpose of using a tourniquet during venipuncture is to engorge veins for easier access. When a tourniquet is applied above the site where blood is to be drawn, it temporarily restricts venous blood flow while allowing arterial flow to continue. This results in the veins becoming more prominent and easier to palpate or visualize, which enhances the phlebotomist's ability to locate a suitable vein for needle insertion.

Engorgement makes the veins larger and more accessible, reducing the chances of multiple punctures and improving the overall efficiency of the blood draw. It's crucial, however, to ensure that the tourniquet is not left on for too long to avoid complications such as hemoconcentration or discomfort for the patient.

Other options, such as disinfection, while important aspects of the venipuncture process, are not the purpose of using a tourniquet. Minimizing pain is also a goal during the blood draw process, but it is not the primary function of the tourniquet itself.