Bruising after blood test

[lottiesmum0]

Just after a bit of advice really. DD (18) went for a blood test on Friday. She’s come out in really bad bruising. She said it didn’t hurt at the time but it’s quite sore now.
Is this bruising normal?

[stevo25]

Im the same, its down to poor technique. Ideally ask for a small butterfly needle next time.

[Posiesmum]

Every time for me - I’m a ‘bad bleeder’ so I’m used to it. Better than the alternative - in the back of the hand!

[Emmie2016]

Its just the vein collapsing. Nothing to worry about. I bruise everytime, as my veins are prone to breaking.

If she gets unexplained bruising, then that would be a cause for concern 🙂

[EssexSue]

I can tell if I am going to get a bruise as soon as the needle goes in! I swear some of them are like McDonald's straws.

[lottiesmum0]

Thankyou for all your answers- it’s reassured me!

[Pumpkin Pie]

I’ve been told my veins are like spaghetti junction. I often have bruises like that as they very rarely get blood on first attempt.

[LoveHolidays]

I'm an ex Phlebotomist so can maybe offer some reassurance.

Bruising is perfectly normal but can sometimes be avoided by doing a couple of small things.

1 - ask the Phlebotomist to use a blue butterfly. These are smaller needles.

2 - NEVER bend your arm straight away. Press firmly on the cotton wool for a couple of minutes (or until the bleeding has stopped). Keep your arm straight whilst doing this. Some older practitioners ask you to bend your arm but this merely opens up the puncture wound and causes more bruising.

Hope this helps.

[Scotsmomma2]

Originally Posted by Posiesmum

Every time for me - I’m a ‘bad bleeder’ so I’m used to it. Better than the alternative - in the back of the hand!

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My veins are shot, so they always use the back of my hand now.

[DonnaD]

I had a bruise like that recently. It just happens randomly with me. Definitely nothing to worry about. I had another one a week later with no bruise at all.