What Does A Tourniquet Do
A tourniquet is a medical device designed to apply controlled pressure around a limb to temporarily restrict blood flow. It is commonly used in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and emergency situations. By compressing veins and arteries beneath the applied area, a tourniquet helps medical professionals perform procedures such as drawing blood, starting IV lines, or controlling bleeding during trauma care.
At RONGHAI Medical Technology Co., Ltd., we manufacture Kimao disposable tourniquets that combine comfort, elasticity, and safety — helping healthcare professionals perform procedures efficiently and hygienically.
1. The Main Function of a Tourniquet
The primary role of a tourniquet is to control or restrict blood flow in a targeted area of the body. Depending on the type of procedure, the level of pressure and application time vary.
Key Functions:
Facilitate Venipuncture or Blood Collection
By gently compressing veins, a tourniquet causes them to become more prominent and easier to locate, helping medical staff insert needles accurately.
Assist in IV Line or Cannula Insertion
When starting an IV line, applying a tourniquet increases venous pressure, making it easier to introduce the cannula into the vein.
Control Bleeding in Emergencies
In trauma or surgery, tourniquets are used to stop severe bleeding temporarily until further medical intervention is possible.
This helps prevent excessive blood loss and supports patient stabilization.
Support Surgical Procedures
In some surgeries (especially limb surgeries), tourniquets can create a bloodless field, giving doctors a clearer view of the area being operated on.
2. How It Works: The Science Behind a Tourniquet
A tourniquet functions by applying external pressure to a limb, compressing superficial veins and, in some cases, deeper arteries.
| Blood Vessel Type | Effect of Tourniquet |
|---|---|
| Veins | Blood return to the heart is restricted, causing veins below the tourniquet to fill and swell — ideal for venipuncture. |
| Arteries | In emergency use, pressure is increased enough to stop arterial flow, controlling bleeding. |
In diagnostic and laboratory settings, only venous flow is restricted, not arterial flow. This ensures blood continues to enter the limb, but not return, making veins visible and full.
3. Types of Tourniquets and Their Uses
| Type | Material | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable Tourniquet | Rubber / Silicone | Single-use applications such as blood drawing and IV insertion |
| Reusable Tourniquet | Elastic / Fabric Strap | General use in clinical settings |
| Surgical Tourniquet | Pneumatic or Manual Cuff | Blood flow control during limb surgeries |
| Emergency Tourniquet | Heavy-duty Nylon with Windlass Rod | Used by first responders and military to control life-threatening bleeding |
At RONGHAI Medical, we specialize in disposable medical tourniquets made from medical-grade rubber or silicone, offering elasticity, comfort, and hygiene for single-use procedures.
4. Benefits of Using Disposable Tourniquets
Disposable tourniquets are now preferred in modern healthcare because they minimize cross-contamination risks and are easy to handle.
Advantages:
Hygienic: Single-use design prevents transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
Comfortable: Soft and smooth texture reduces skin irritation for patients.
Consistent Pressure: Uniform elasticity ensures even compression without pain.
Convenient: Easy to apply, adjust, and remove quickly during procedures.
Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for sterilization or maintenance.
RONGHAI Advantage: Our disposable tourniquets meet ISO9001:2015 and ISO13485:2016 standards and are CE MDR certified, ensuring full medical compliance and safety.
5. When Tourniquets Are Used in Medicine
| Medical Scenario | Purpose | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Venipuncture / Blood Collection | Make veins visible and accessible | Less than 1 minute |
| IV Cannulation | Assist in needle insertion | Less than 1 minute |
| Emergency Bleeding Control | Stop arterial bleeding temporarily | Until professional care |
| Surgical Use | Maintain bloodless field | Controlled by monitoring systems |
| First Aid in Field Settings | Prevent fatal bleeding | Used until medical help arrives |
In all medical applications, tourniquet time is carefully monitored to avoid tissue damage or circulation issues.
6. How to Use a Disposable Tourniquet (Brief Overview)
Prepare: Sanitize hands and wear gloves.
Position: Wrap the tourniquet 7–10 cm above the site of puncture or injury.
Tighten: Pull gently and tie a half-loop or secure with a buckle.
Perform the Procedure: Insert the needle or start the IV.
Release: Loosen the tourniquet immediately after venous access is achieved or within 1 minute.
Dispose: Discard after use following hospital waste guidelines.
For more detailed instructions, see our guide on How to Apply a Disposable Tourniquet.
7. Safety Precautions
| Safety Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Avoid Prolonged Use | Never leave the tourniquet on for more than one minute during venipuncture. |
| Check Circulation | The limb should retain a pulse and normal skin color. |
| Single Use Only | RONGHAI disposable tourniquets are designed for one-time use to prevent infection. |
| Proper Disposal | Follow clinical waste disposal procedures. |
| Avoid Damaged Skin | Do not place over wounds or inflamed areas. |
8. Why Choose RONGHAI Medical Tourniquets
At RONGHAI Medical Technology Co., Ltd., we integrate research, production, and quality control to provide safe, efficient, and reliable disposable tourniquets.
RONGHAI Product Highlights
Advanced automatic production lines
High elasticity and tensile strength
Latex-free and hypoallergenic materials
Consistent thickness for smooth pressure distribution
Certified with CE MDR and ISO standards
Trusted by hospitals in China and worldwide
Our Kimao brand tourniquets are exported to Southeast Asia, South America, and Europe, and are widely used by 3A-grade hospitals across China.
Conclusion
A tourniquet may seem simple, but it plays a critical role in patient care — from aiding blood collection to saving lives in emergencies. It allows healthcare workers to perform procedures safely and accurately while minimizing patient discomfort.
RONGHAI disposable tourniquets combine precision, comfort, and hygiene to meet the highest medical standards. With every product, we remain committed to our mission:
“Advancing medical technology, protecting human health.”