Bruising After a Blood Draw: Here's What to Know

 

A person getting bloodwork done

It's fairly common to see a small bruise on your arm after having your blood drawn. Bruising occurs because of small blood vessels getting damaged or punctured as your healthcare provider inserts the needle.

However, bruising after a blood draw isn't a cause for concern. Here's why it occurs.

Common Causes of Bruises After a Blood Draw

Bruising normally occurs when the blood vessels under your skin are damaged. Here are some common causes of bruises after a blood test:

Damaged Blood Vessels

Your phlebotomist inserts a needle into a vein inside your wrist or elbow during a blood draw procedure. Sometimes, this needle damages a few capillaries along the way, leading to bruises.

Hard-to-Find Veins

Sometimes it's difficult to find a vein due to various reasons. The person drawing your blood will try to locate the vein, but if your veins are less visible or your arm is swollen, it makes the process difficult, leading to a bruise.

Not Applying Enough Pressure

Another common reason bruising occurs is when the phlebotomist doesn't apply enough pressure on the blood draw site once they remove the needle.

Other Causes

Sometimes it's the medicines you take or medical conditions that you have that cause bruising after a blood test. You're likely to get bruises if you:

·         Take anticoagulants

·         Take NSAIDs

·         Herbs like ginger, garlic, fish oil

·         Medical conditions like kidney or liver disease, hemophilia, etc.

 

How to Prevent Bruising After a Blood Draw

Although you can't always prevent bruising, you can take a few steps to make it less likely:

·         Avoid any blood-thinning medications 24 hours before the blood test.

·         Avoid carrying heavy things after a blood draw, including a handbag, as it can put unnecessary pressure on the site, dislocating your blood clot.

·         Wear loose-fitting sleeves

·         Apply firm pressure as the needle is removed

·         Apply a cold compress to the site if you notice a bruise forming

 Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please consult a medical professional.

Phlebotomy on Wheels is a mobile lab service provider in MD. They provide affordable and fast blood draw services. Their expert phlebotomists in VA offer multiple blood testing services, including routine blood draws, saliva kits, glucose tolerance, paternity tests, and 24/7urine collection.

Contact them now.

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