Blood drawn from hand; numbness and tingling

Two days ago, a nurse at my Reproductive Endocrinologists office drew blood to run some tests.  She was unable to find a vein in either arm so proceeded to draw the blood from a vein in my hand (she had also drawn from this location a week prior and the bruise had barely finished healing).  She seemed to have difficulty getting the needle into my hand and it took a long time for her to squeeze out the relatively small amount of blood needed.  

I am concerned because, since the blood draw, I've been feeling tingling and numbness in that hand....almost feels like my hand is falling asleep.  What would cause this and is it anything I should be concerned about or will it go away if I wait it out?  

Thank you,

Staci

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Drawing blood from the hand is not an uncommon site.

There is the possibility that the needle may have irritated a nerve.  In most cases, this can heal with time.  

However, if the tingling or neurological symptoms persists, you may want to consider a neurology referral to consider electrodiagnostic testing.  

This option can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[caregiver222]

Normally these problems disappear within a week or two. I am sure that will be the case. The exception is when an arterial blood gas is drawn by a student in the wrist. I had one done on me by a novice and I had numbness for three months! On the top of the hand a so-called "butterfly" is generally used and it is inserted at a shallow angle and normally wouldn't be touching any major nerves. The needle doesn't stay in. A plastic catheter is run in over the needle. Rub the top of your hand with a little cortisone cream, soak in hot water with epsom salts. The first day ice water would have been appropriate. Sometimes even the best nurse can have trouble finding a vein. It's not necessarily a sign of incompetence. Some days you get the bear. Some days the bear gets you.