Problems with taking blood

[Violet333]

Had a blood test last week but it was a nightmare. I have thin veins. The phlebotomist tried three times, twice in one arm, then called a nurse who tried twice. Eventually some blood came out but she had to reposition the needle when it was in. All rather painful and stressful. During all the attempts and the draw they had me continually clench the fist in and out. My potassium levels came back high and I now read that the clenching causes that. On the report I read one test (AST) couldn't be done because of haemolysis. Could the way the test was conducted have altered other readings? T3 came back at 3.8 (range 3.9 to 6.7), T4 15.5 (12-22), TSH 3.23 (0.27 -4.20). Cholesterol levels (all types) have increased in a month but triglycerides down from 1.6 to 1.3.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

previous post

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu......

Was test done 9am

TSH over 3 is high enough to suggest your thyroid is struggling but not high enough for NHS to treat

Ft3 is below range

High cholesterol linked to being hypothyroid and will reduce once you start on levothyroxine

Next step

Get vitamin D, folate, B12, ferritin tested

Plus ideally Thyroglobulin (TG) antibodies

[Violet333 in reply to SlowDragon]

Test scheduled for 8.45am but with all the fiddling about, blood was finally taken at 9.15. B12 was tested at my suggestion and came back at 400, haven't got the range on me but 400 was low middle. If the F3 thyroid is limping along (but still signed off as normal) a I do wonder if they might treat the highish cholesterol separately. TG antibodies were low at 7.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Violet333]

That was TPO antibodies I think

NHS refuses to test TG antibodies unless TPO antibodies are high

Significant minority of Hashimoto’s patients only have high TG antibodies

You will have to test privately - and probably pay extra for private blood draw rather than DIY finger prick test

You need folate, vitamin D and ferritin too

Request GP test these - or these privately

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Graph showing median TSH in healthy population is 1-1.5

web.archive.org/web/2004060...

nhs.uk/conditions/statins/c...

If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), treatment may be delayed until this problem is treated. This is because having an underactive thyroid can lead to an increased cholesterol level, and treating hypothyroidism may cause your cholesterol level to decrease, without the need for statins. Statins are also more likely to cause muscle damage in people with an underactive thyroid.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

I also have terrible veins.

It’s difficult when nurses are trying multiple times especially when repositioning needle.  

I’ve been in tears on occasions - I find my limit is 5 attempt then I get frustrated they’ll never get a sample.  

If the blood is Haemolysed the blood isn’t tested for certain tests - but certain test is doesn’t affect the test & the results shouldn’t be affected.  

Being well hydrated & warm is the only thing you can do to help, the rest is up to the skill of the phlebotomist.  

Clenching & using tourniquet for too long are not ideal as can affect certain results but if a vein can’t be found there isn’t always a better option.  

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to PurpleNails]

I’ve got difficult veins too. Years ago I had a similar experience to you. In out, in out, the nurse didn’t even pull the needle out of my arm - just came back a bit and redirected her aim! Then her friend had a try too - no luck. In the end she patted me on the arm and said ‘You’ve got fat arms, go and get your doctor to do it!’

I have since given blood and only had difficulty once but I always warn whoever is taking it first so that they take care. My last phlebotomist was wonderful and used to use a child’s needle - think it must be very fine. When she left the otherpers9n was a bit ‘ham fisted’ so I used to take my form into the hospital phlebotomy dept. They do hundreds of people every day and seem to have got drawing blood down to a fine art.

[Violet333 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Had a test in December with another nurse and that was fine first time, but she only works in the afternoons so not ideal for thyroid testing.

[mrskiki]

You were so unlucky if it was a phlebotomists not able to find your vein. I always find phlebotomists good - nurses and doctors often have problems with me. I mentioned this to a phlebotomist in hospital once, when the nurses and doctor had to fetch one after once again they had stabbed my arm to bits and failed. She told me that she feels for veins and those that have trouble rely on sight.

I often book at a phlebotomy clinic for my regular blood tests now I have a choice to go there or to local hospital instead of surgery, less convenient but I get to book online and full choice of times.

[Fortie]

Hi - I also have issues with taking of blood tests - veins collapse ,so no blood flows out - always ask for a butterfly needle. It is usually sucessful if they take mine from the the hand rather than the arm. - a little bruising (but not as bad as three tries and nearly fainting|)

[Stourie]

when they struggled to get blood from me one nurse filled a rubber glove with quite warm water and that brought my vein up and she got blood no bother. I’ve told other nurses that but nobody else has done it. Jo xx