The vein holder has an upright wall forming a central opening. The central opening is large enough to allow easy access by a needle. A bottom flange extends outwardly from the wall and rests against the patient's skin. It is the bottom surface of the flange 14 which holds the skin tight to prevent movement of the vein relative to the skin. In addition, pressure applied by the vein holder closes the vein at an end away from the syringe opening.