Infection after Blood Test

[caroash]

Hi everyone not been on here for a while,I had a blood test at my GP practice and when needle was taken out it hurt really bad. My arm was hurting and burning after,then next day got a rash and swollen arm,I contacted GP online,sent photo of arm and he said was Infected,he prescribed s trong antibiotics and said if I got a temp or vomiting 🙄to go to A and E and to keep an eye on rash.Next day rash spread to upper arm,but luckily didn't end up in A and E. Did settle down and now Is badly bruised and swollen . Surgery hasn't since contacted me,which I thought they would considering it was done there. From what I've read,this is very rare. Wondering if so should complain?

[Doggie123-UK]

I would definitely complain

[serenfach]

Yes, complain. Looks like the nurse went straight through the vein, which happens but should not. There may be a dodgy set of needles which they will look into.

Did she swab with iodine? I am now highly allergic to iodine which is a pain because you use it often in lambing. If so, some iodine could have been taken in by the needle (they are supposed to wait until the iodine is dry), and that caused a reaction.

Blood drawing is a knack, some are good at it, and some seem to think you are a rhino! I hope you are OK now.

[caroash in reply to serenfach]

Hi thanks for your reply,I'm not sure if she wiped the area or if she had gloves on as was looking the other way. Oh god maybe she did,the pain was horrendous when needle was pulled out.Had to take antibiotics for 7 days.Its getting better,but very bruised around forearm and upper arm and elbow. I spoke to GP he said it's when bacteria gets in puncture site,I said how does that happen if aseptic proceedings are followed.He eventually said he would log it as an incident.When I spoke to receptionist she said "Do you want to speak to the girl that did the blood test" I said no, would like it raising as concerned she could do this to someone else.

[serenfach]

By logging the incident, there will be an interview with the nurse, and maybe someone to watch her for a few days. They have taken it seriously. All you can do at the moment. Take care and sending a hug.