Abstract: A vessel location assistance device having a housing with a proximal portion and a distal portion, an infrared light emitter adapted to emit infrared light from the housing to a patient and an infrared light receiver adapted to receive backscattered infrared light intensity reflected from the patient, wherein the received backscattered infrared light intensity is converted to a voltage and when the voltage is within a calibrated range the device indicates the presence of a blood vessel. The device may further include at least one wing with a slot for capturing the blood vessel.