The gold standard vascular access for haemodialysis is an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Early referral to the vascular team is encouraged, as the process of counselling and creation of an effective fistula can be time consuming. Vein preservation in patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease is threatened by the need for careful monitoring of blood biochemistry and intravenous access for concurrent conditions. Cannulation can be particularly disruptive to vein integrity, and it is recognised that protection from unnecessary venepuncture in the upper limb identified for AVF creation is important. The most useful veins for AVF creation are the cephalic vein, in the forearm and wrist, and the veins of the antecubital fossa; the same veins favoured for venepuncture and cannula placement.