What is the purpose of performing a “butterfly” blood draw?

The purpose of performing a "butterfly" blood draw primarily revolves around its design, which makes it particularly effective for accessing small veins. The butterfly needle, which is characterized by its flexible wings, provides greater control and stabilization when inserting into a vein, making it ideal for patients with fragile or small veins, such as children or the elderly.

In addition, because the butterfly needle is less traumatic than standard needles, it tends to cause less discomfort for the patient during the procedure. This is especially important in clinical settings where patient comfort and minimizing pain are priorities. The design also allows for better maneuverability, which can help in accurately positioning the needle within the vein.

A butterfly blood draw is not intended for accessing larger veins, drawing blood for donations, or ensuring a higher volume of blood is collected; rather, it is specifically tailored to make venipuncture easier and gentler for challenging venous access scenarios.