St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation launched its first annual spring/summer appeal by asking for community support in raising funds to purchase the AccuVein vein visualization device — and the community delivered.

“Thanks to donations from our generous community, St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation was able to fund in full the device for the lab,” said Meshelle Colvin, SLH Foundation executive director.

AccuVein uses vein visualization technology that aids St. Luke’s Hospital’s phlebotomists in drawing blood from hard-to -stick patients by illuminating the patient’s veins.

AccuVein works for all ages, skin types and body differences. It allows the phlebotomist to see the illuminated veins, therefore reducing anxiety, pain and delays in patient care, foundation representatives said.

The hand-held, non-contact vein illumination system painlessly displays a real-time visual of the peripheral veins and is clinically proven to improve first -stick success and reduce patient discomfort.

“If you have invisible veins or experience difficulty with blood draws, this could have a major positive impact on your future experiences having blood drawn at St. Luke’s Hospital,” said Laboratory Director Jody Flynn. “Patients greatly benefit from this advanced technology, and we greatly appreciate the support of St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation.”

Those interested in learning more about the foundation can call 828-894-2693 or can visit SLHFoundation.org.

– Submitted by Jennifer Wilson