blood drawn this morning

[SarahB79]

Silly question.... recently I've visited the lab fairly frequently for tests and retests... I never really have problems with the blood draws.  Unless you coun't that one time the tech was digging around for a vein inside my arm!  OUCH...

Anyhow, today I had one stick that seemed flawless.  However the area is now very swollen and VERY tender to the touch at the site and several inches away from the site.  It's starting to bruise as well.  I've had bruising before though...

Is the swelling and pain something I should be concerned about?  

[AJ1225]

I think bruising and swelling after blood draw can be an expected side effect. Since there was a manipulation to your vein, it might have just bruised it. Try applying cold compress and elevate your arm. Maybe just the technique, though may seemed flawless, was not as good as you thought it was. If it starts to become very painful and swollen even more (which by the way you should monitor the size of your swollen arm), then you should contact your doctor.

[SarahB79]

Thanks!
The swelling and pain subsided by the next day.  I am left with an ugly greenish yellow bruise now... but all seems fine.  I guess I over reacted.  I had just never had that much swellling or pain from a blood draw, seemed odd to me.  Thanks for the response!

Sarah