The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hot compress as an effective vasodilatation method for peripheral venipuncture. The subjects of this study were 25 healthy volunteers, and the effects of hot compression on the left median cubital vein were studied using cross-over trial. The hot compress was applied to the forearm for 15 minutes so that the skin surface temperature under the hot compress became 40±2℃. As tourniquet pressure affects vasodilatation, it was set constant at 60mmHg using a manchette.
　The results showed that the hot compress significantly increased skin surface temperature, blood flow rate, and venous cross-sectional area. The venous cross-sectional area was increased by 16.8% after the hot compress. Moreover, the increase rate of the venous cross-sectional area was greater in the subjects whose fingertip temperature was lower. The result suggested that appropriate assessment and selection of the subject was preferable for optimal vasodilatation by the hot compress.
　In conclusion, hot compress to the arm for 15 minutes at 40℃ was effective for vasodilatation.