# Blue Blood

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-blood/1567>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [June 28, 1999, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-blood/1567 "1999-06-28T01:42:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 1999, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-blood/1567/1 "1999-06-28T01:42:00Z")

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What’s the deal with the blue cast to veins that are visible underneath the skin? I think I know the answer to this already, but I want someone to explain because I have a follow-on question once someone gives a credible answer.

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 1999, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-blood/1567/2 "1999-06-28T02:21:00Z")

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For a credible answer, go the Archives and search on blood AND color … you will find the following Mailbag item on why veins appear to be blue:

[http://www.straightdope.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/postings.cgi?action=reply&forum=General+Questions&number=3&topic=001243.ubb&TopicSubject=Blu](http://www.straightdope.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/postings.cgi?action=reply&forum=General+Questions&number=3&topic=001243.ubb&TopicSubject=Blu) e+Blood