Bruising

[heathermc]

Had my monthly blood test at Drs. Don't usually bruise but today really bad bruising from where she took blood. I know it's common but normally only get a red mark.or tiny bit of bruising. This looks like blood under the skin. I don't usually bleed after but oh boy did it bleed. It's a bit painful but ok now . If that's all I have to worry about. If it was Halloween I'd say Dracula had attacked me !!

[Hidden]

The phlebotomist wasn't as good as the others in taking blood samples. I have taken blood and sometimes you do make patients bruise.

[WileyFrench]

I think it depends on their technique. Most of the time, like you, I just get a little mark, but every once in a while it’s a doozy of a bruise that lasts for days. Because I take clopidogrel and aspirin I’m more prone to bruising in general, but not always like that. Thank heavens!

[Cindy12]

I was once told by a phlebotomist to press hard on the site once the blood has been taken and this will help to prevent bruising. It usually works for me.

[Spirit123 in reply to Cindy12]

Me too

[mark382 in reply to Spirit123]

Me too

[Karol_Rua]

Some phlebotomists/nurses/doctors bend your arm at the elbow where blood has been taken. This does increase incidence of bruising so avoid. I'm always covered in bruises, always was. Arms, legs, even hands and fingers. It's not an issue, just for me an indication of a higher INR or blood clotting time...

[swimswam]

I’ve started to get enormous bruises every time I have a blood test, no bleeding, starting to worry if it’s me or just their technique.

[Anag in reply to swimswam]

Perhaps you are taking too much aspirin. Blood hat is too thin can also be dangerous.

[Anag]

Dear HeatherMC.

Some phlebotomists (rare) push the cotton pad down while pulling out the needle and that injures the vein, causing bleeding. When they take out the needle, make sure your arm ist straight out so that the vein is near the surface and you can press properly until the bleeding has 100% stopped. When I’ve too much aspirin in my body it takes a little longer to stop, when my blood is too thick, the bleeding stops immediately.

Always observe and know your body very well. Ask lots of questions.