Aa
Getting your blood drawn
Is there anything you can do to get your veins ready for a blood draw? I used to have such an easy time but now it seems the tech has to fight to find a vein to use. I'm drinking a gallon of water a day. Is there anything else that may help make the procedure less uncomfortable?
I am very leary of needle sticks in the crook of my arms. Ive been hurt too many times that way. I always have blood drawn from the back of my hands using a butterfly. I have big easy to see veins there and seldom bruise with the right compression afterwards.
And yes, the phlebotomist makes all the difference in the world.
And yes, the phlebotomist makes all the difference in the world.
It was actually 5 sticks between the two techs. Sorry I wasn't clear enough. But believe me, that was bad enough. He was a very hard stick. Once when I took him to the ER for encephalopathy, the resident had to use an ultrasound machine to find a vein.
Now that he has a new liver, they have had a lot less trouble doing the blood work. First shot, every time.
Now that he has a new liver, they have had a lot less trouble doing the blood work. First shot, every time.
It is called Emla cream prescribed by doctor apply at least 1hour before blood draw if you know the spot they will use
T can't palpate mine. My heart rate is very weak and they can't ever feel them that way. It ALWAYS take at least an hour, and I've been to MANY different labs. If you were an IV drug user, it can be extremely difficult. Many of us have to get groin or neck shots in the hospital, so it isn't always the skill of the technician. Though hitting is an art and a good tech really helps. There is a cream that they rub on your skin that numbs your arm and makes it more comfortable. I don't know what it is called, but I had a doctor offer it to me once.
Warm water won't do it for me - I have to literally burn the **** out of myself for 15 minutes to dilate the vein.
Thwe butterflies are too small when you need 5 tubes of blood. They clog too easily.
Warm water won't do it for me - I have to literally burn the **** out of myself for 15 minutes to dilate the vein.
Thwe butterflies are too small when you need 5 tubes of blood. They clog too easily.
I agree with Hector ,it takes a long time to be a skilled phlebotomist ,I know it from own experience as a nurse.Unfortunately,many laboratories pay minimum wages to these people there is high turnover and they keep hiring unexp.people. Let them use butterfly needle or switch location till you find someone skilled.
nan
OMG your poor husband -- 10 sticks and no success???? Don't they know how much that hurts? I would not go back either. Last time I treated the tech always used a butterfly and it was smooth. But finding the right tech is the key -- they can use a regular needle and be successful.
OMG your poor husband -- 10 sticks and no success???? Don't they know how much that hurts? I would not go back either. Last time I treated the tech always used a butterfly and it was smooth. But finding the right tech is the key -- they can use a regular needle and be successful.
I really never thought it could be the tech. I automatically thought my veins were suddenly disappearing! I went today for a blood draw and did indeed have a different tech. What a difference! Thank you for the info everyone. I thought I'd be more versed in all of this by now but I'm finding that I just can't keep up with all of it.
robbijo
robbijo
I concur. My husband once went to a local Quest Diagnostics center and the two phlebotomists on duty both tried 5 times to get his blood. No success. He ended up leaving with instructions to return in a couple of days. Needless to say he never returned. He tried another Quest center instead and asked the phlebotomist how experienced she was. After being satisfied that she was well experienced with "hard sticks", he let her do it. She got it on the first try using a butterfly. The moral of the story is don't be afraid to ask for the most experienced person they have. You are the one who is being stuck. They don't like to fail either.
This is a very timely post. I did not see it before I posted my thread just a few minutes ago. To me, this is a big deal and Hector is right -- it all depends upon the skill level of the phlebotomist. Pick a good one and stick with her/him.
frijole (bean)
frijole (bean)
Hector covered it, and I have nothing to add except my experience. I agree with the butterflies. The lab I go to will use it if they see I still have have a bruise from last poke. I have even requested the butterfly. I also agree it is the person doing the drawing, I rarely have bruising anymore since I have been in treatment and UND, but there are times when I do and I cringe when I see the one lab person that can make me bruise and swell and ALWAYS does.
I always have had trouble, but lately they have always been successful first time using a butterfly (a pediatric needle).
Hi there, I have had problems in the past as well, I learned which veins were the best when going through my trial back in 2008.
Before they come in to draw blood I will hang my arm down and also make a fist and squeeze. I often grab a small item to squeeze and that seems to help
I do try to drink more water right before I have the blood draw as I have been told it plumps up the veins. Good luck to you
Before they come in to draw blood I will hang my arm down and also make a fist and squeeze. I often grab a small item to squeeze and that seems to help
I do try to drink more water right before I have the blood draw as I have been told it plumps up the veins. Good luck to you
I too am an old pro at this. I have really good veins and never have a problem with blood draws.. But when one guy draws my blood it hurts, it bruises and swells up the size of a grape unless I leave compression on it. I am only on week 24 but I figure I might not be healing as fast. I put Arnica on the spot and the bruise and discomfort disappeared within hours.
Hopefully someone will have tips for both of us.
Hopefully someone will have tips for both of us.
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Veins being visible is not a requirement of any good phlebotomist. All good phlebotomists do it by feel, not sight. So while we patients can't see any veins it doesn't mean a skilled phlebotomist will have any trouble tapping the vein. If a person has lots of scaring of the veins of the arms or burn wounds, the wrists and hands can be used.
If the person tapping my veins doesn't do a least 30-50 patient blood draws a day I tell them what vein in my wrist to use rather then having them dig into my arm searching for a vein. Digging it no fun. If I am at the hospital with highly experienced phlebotomists I let them use my arms. They find the vein easily and rarely do I have any bruising afterwards.
In order to make the veins palpable they will put a tourniquet about 3 - 4 inches above the puncture site. Make a loose fist. After blood starts to flow, the tourniquet will be released and you will be told to open your hand.
If a good vein can not be located, the following techniques may help:
* Sharply tapping the inner elbow with the index and second finger may cause the vein to dilate.
* Massaging the arm from the wrist to the elbow to force blood into the vein and cause it to distend.
* Apply a warm, wet towel to the arm for 5 minutes to help the vein to dilate.
* Have the patient dangle the arm for 5 minutes to distend the vein.
* Always remember to check both arms.
This is what I have learn through experience as a patient. We have a few nurses here in the forum and they may have some good info for you.
Good luck.
Hector