The Procedure

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Phlebotomy is the invasive procedure that uses a needle to draw blood directly from a vein (venipuncture). it’s an important tool for diagnosing many medical conditions.

While having your blood drawn, you will usually be in a seated position, the phlebotomist will then tie a band called a tourniquet around your upper arm. This is to encourage your veins pop out a little more, creating a better target to insert the needle.

You may feel a pinch or sting when the needle goes into your arm. The needle will be attached to a small vacuumed tube that draws your blood directly into it. Depending on what your blood is being tested for, it may be required to fill one or more test tubes that interchange on the one needle. The process usually takes just a few minutes.

The Phlebotomist will then take the needle out of your arm, remove the tourniquet, and dress the area. You as the patient, should gently press down on the area for a few minutes until the bleeding stops. The puncture site can remain dressed for an hour.

NOTE THAT THE PHLEBOTOMIST WILL ALWAYS TRY TO DRAW BLOOD ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT, IF THE FIRST ATTEMPT FAILS, USUALLY DUE TO A PATIENT BEING DIFFICULT TO BLEED AS A RESULT OF POORLY DETECTABLE VEINS, THE PHLEBOTOMIST WILL ATTEMPT VENEPUNCTURE UP TO 3 MORE TIMES. THERE WILL BE NO MORE THAN 4 ATTEMPTS IN TOTAL. (TWICE PER ARM)

 

Risks and Side Effects

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While you may find the process uncomfortable. Only a small amount of blood is taken during the procedure so you shouldn't feel any significant after-effects. 

 

However, there are a few risks. Some people feel dizzy, sweaty, nauseous and faint during and after the blood draw (vasovagal reaction). If this has happened to you in the past, tell the person carrying out the blood draw so they're aware and can help you feel more comfortable.

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On rarer occasions you may experience a sharp shooting pain during the procedure, described as feeling like an electric shock. This happens when the tip of the needle touches a cluster of nerves close to or around the vein. It is a temporary feeling that can result in tingling or a “pins and needles” like sensation in the arm that lasts for a few days.

 

After the test, it is normal to experience some bruising where the needle went in, this can vary in size depending on patient after care.

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IT IS THE PATIENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO APPLY PRESSURE DIRECTLY TO THE DRESSED AREA AFTER THE PROCEDURE, AVOID ANY HEAVY LIFTING FOR 30 MIN PRIOR AND BE MINDFUL OF ANY ACTIVITIES THAT PUT A STRAIN ON THE ARM USED. TO PREVENT INFECTION, ALWAYS KEEP THE AREA CLEAN UNTILL FULLY HEALED.

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Bruises known as hematomas can be painful and Superficial thrombophlebitis can also appear.

In general, hematomas and superficial thrombophlebitis are not dangerous, just painful until it resolves. Usually they are harmless and fade over the next few days.

 

Always Contact a medical professional if you have any concerns or if you experience any of the following symptoms after a blood draw:

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• Stiffness, weakness, or aching in the arm

• Pain that worsens when you move the arm

• Severe or worsening tingling in the arm

• Severe or worsening swelling in the arm

• Redness or inflammation in the arm

• Change of colour or temperature in the arm or hand