I've just come back from having a blood test, and now the area where the needle went in is really painful, bruised and swollen. I've never had a blood test before, so can someone tell me if this is normal? Thanks.
I've just come back from having a blood test, and now the area where the needle went in is really painful, bruised and swollen. I've never had a blood test before, so can someone tell me if this is normal? Thanks.
Hi, I've moved your thread to health.
I've personally never had this issue. But do know one or two people who have had bruises.
I've just come back from having a blood test, and now the area where the needle went in is really painful, bruised and swollen. I've never had a blood test before, so can someone tell me if this is normal? Thanks.
TSR isn't the right place....Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY. Having said that it's just probably an infection.
I've just come back from having a blood test, and now the area where the needle went in is really painful, bruised and swollen. I've never had a blood test before, so can someone tell me if this is normal? Thanks.
It's not very common but if the phlebotomist didn't hit the vein correctly it will bruise more than normal. It will also be tender. If you didn't press on it hard enough for long enough the blood will have run into the skin and made it worse. If, over the next few days it becomes hot to the touch and the bruise doesn't begin to heal, nip back and see the nurse You've been a touch unlucky but it's not serious
I've just come back from having a blood test, and now the area where the needle went in is really painful, bruised and swollen. I've never had a blood test before, so can someone tell me if this is normal? Thanks.
It may depend on whether you are sensitive or not. I have very thin skin and thin veins and half the time I take a blood test, the needle literally goes from one side of the vein to the other, piercing it on both sides, then I'm left with a bruise (one that covers almost half of my forearm once the blood disperses). The blood underneath the skin (the bluish thing - the bruise) should first disperse (if it seems to be getting bigger, it may be just that), and then it will start healing. Also, the area where the needle punctured the skin should be getting less and less painful, less swollen, although the bruise seems to be getting bigger (as I said before- blood dispersing). However, it shouldn't be hard to the touch for more than 2 days, from my experience, and if it goes over that just go see a doctor.
Also, keep in mind that this is from my experience and it doesn't have to apply to your experience as well. Better safe than sorry.
I've just come back from having a blood test, and now the area where the needle went in is really painful, bruised and swollen. I've never had a blood test before, so can someone tell me if this is normal? Thanks.
Also, if you didn't press hard enough, then it is very likely that the vein bled a bit underneath the skin before the wound was completely sealed off.
It's not very common but if the phlebotomist didn't hit the vein correctly it will bruise more than normal. It will also be tender. If you didn't press on it hard enough for long enough the blood will have run into the skin and made it worse. If, over the next few days it becomes hot to the touch and the bruise doesn't begin to heal, nip back and see the nurse You've been a touch unlucky but it's not serious
Press on it? I wasn't told to press on it afterwards. I will keep an eye on the bruise. Thanks
It may depend on whether you are sensitive or not. I have very thin skin and thin veins and half the time I take a blood test, the needle literally goes from one side of the vein to the other, piercing it on both sides, then I'm left with a bruise (one that covers almost half of my forearm once the blood disperses). The blood underneath the skin (the bluish thing - the bruise) should first disperse (if it seems to be getting bigger, it may be just that), and then it will start healing. Also, the area where the needle punctured the skin should be getting less and less painful, less swollen, although the bruise seems to be getting bigger (as I said before- blood dispersing). However, it shouldn't be hard to the touch for more than 2 days, from my experience, and if it goes over that just go see a doctor.
Also, keep in mind that this is from my experience and it doesn't have to apply to your experience as well. Better safe than sorry.
Ooh that sounds painful... tbh idk if I have thin skin, but I generally bruise quite easily (partially the reason for the blood test). I'll keep an eye on it.
Thanks everyone for the advice, wasn't sure whether or not to be worried, seeing as I'd never had a blood test before... (The blood was quite an impressive colour I must say!)
I've just come back from having a blood test, and now the area where the needle went in is really painful, bruised and swollen. I've never had a blood test before, so can someone tell me if this is normal? Thanks.
This exact thing happened to me last summer. I was already in hospital when it happened and the doctor said it was because my vein had collapsed but would heal by itself. My bruise took about 10 days to heal fully 😊
I've just come back from having a blood test, and now the area where the needle went in is really painful, bruised and swollen. I've never had a blood test before, so can someone tell me if this is normal? Thanks.
I've had this a few times, don't worry I've had probably 50 blood tests at this point, and while it doesn't happen all that often it does happen. Putting pressure on it just after the needle is removed does help prevent it, but now unfortunately you just have to wait it out. The risk of infection is small, but if you notice it getting very hot and red, getting much worse, or not getting better in a week or so then consider a trip to the doctors or even a pharmacist
I've just come back from having a blood test, and now the area where the needle went in is really painful, bruised and swollen. I've never had a blood test before, so can someone tell me if this is normal? Thanks.
Can be totally normal to have some pain, bruising and swelling after a blood test. If it seems like a lot i'd suggest you pop into a pharmacy and ask if they think it's normal. They can let you know if it's worth seeing anybody to check for infection or something. That or you can call 111 (i'd go with pharmacy though cos they can see it).
I don't think it's going to be anything wrong though. I normally have no problems after a blood test, but I have had one or two where it's been painful and bruised. Sometimes they just go in a little funny or poke something I think.
That's happened to me once when I had a blood test. It should heal
If it gets worse, hot and swollen seek medical attention. You want to make sure you haven't contracted cellulitis. My brother unluckily caught it from a needle vaccination.
@Strawberry68@Kindred@chelseadagg3r@LeCroissant thanks everyone for the replies. The swelling has gone down, and the bruise, although huge, is slowly fading.... Still a bit sore, but doesn't hurt quite so much.