What is the angle range for arterial puncture at radial and brachial sites?

• A. 15-30
• B. 30-45
• C. 45-60
• D. 60-75

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that the angle of needle entry is chosen to reliably enter the artery lumen while minimizing trauma to the vessel. For radial and brachial arterial punctures, using a moderate angle of about 45–60 degrees to the skin provides a balance: it allows the needle tip to reach the lumen without skimming the wall or penetrating too deeply and risking posterior-wall puncture. If the angle is too shallow (like 15–30 degrees), you may slide along the wall or fail to enter the artery; if it’s too steep (60–75 degrees), you increase the chance of deeper penetration and complications. So, the recommended range is 45–60 degrees.