Question:
Any tips on how to make drawing blood easier?

I am 13 months postop and my surgeon requires bloodwork every 3 months for the first 2 years. I don't mind that, but the last two trips to the lab have been horrible. First they poked my hand and dug for the vein. As it was filing the vile the vein collapsed, so she moved to my arm. After digging for what seemed like forever she tried my other hand. Three pokes later she got a vein between my thumb and pointer finger; very delicate area on my hand.<p> They told me to keep my hands and arms warm in the waiting area. That didn't help. Then they told me that as I loose more weight drawing blood will get easier. I said really I have lost 141 pounds so far and each time I get my blood drawn it gets worse.<p> Does anyone have any tips on what could make my next bloodwork experience better? Or do I just have to be a human pin cushion? I don't mind the pokes, but when they dig in my hands or arms it just kills me.    — ckreh (posted on December 1, 2003)

December 1, 2003
Doubling your water intake the day before will help make getting your veins easier. I know your pain. I learned this the hard way.
   — Ann B.

December 1, 2003
LOTS of fluids a day or two before going in and NO caffiene.
   — Robbin P.

December 1, 2003
Extra fluids the night before works wonders. I had trouble all of my life having blood drawn until I was told this. Now no troubles at all - give it a try!
   — Laura B.

December 1, 2003
they're all right, I work full time for the american redcross and that's what works, double or even triple your fluids (water and juice only really), with no caffine a couple of days before, and remind them that there's almost always one deep and in the center! lol oh and try coming to us, we rock. maybe we can help you find one even if you don't donate, we're always happy to help.
   — mandy-shea B.

December 1, 2003
While I agree that fluid intake will make a big difference, I also would suggest you ask for the most experienced person to draw your blood. I have had many problems with unexperienced people drawing my blood for a test or when I donate a pint. I have very surfacy/spidery veins so I need someone who REALLY knows what they are doing. God Bless and good luck.
   — tntwildlife77

December 1, 2003
As a nurse and former phlebotomist (blood drawer), I have a couple of suggestions for you. First of all, make like a fish and drink, drink, drink the day before. Drink throughout the night if you wake up (unless the labs say nothing after midnight). As a matter of fact, if you can drink during the night, I'd even set an alarm clock and get up a couple times during the night and drink a nice big glass of water. Next, take a hot water bottle with you to the lab. About 15 minutes before your blood draw put in on the inner arm (where the arm bends) so that it is on the bend of the arm and down below on the inner part of the forearm....basically go for where you can see the largest, most prominent veins. If you can't see any veins, then just make sure it is on the inner bend of the arm and the inner forearm like I mentioned above. To hold it in place and keep the heat in, you can take a towel with you to wrap around the arm. Lastly, you have EVERY right to request the absolute best phlebotomist they have. Tell them you've lost a lot of weight, your skin is loose and you've had multiple bad experiences in the past. If they give you a hassle (which they shouldn't if they are professionals), ask to speak to the lab supervisor and tell her what's going on. Good luck to you!
   — Lynette B.

December 1, 2003
I am on blood thinners, so sometimes I have to have my blood drawn once a week, so I can regulate my medications. I am down -75 lbs, and they had a harder time drawing blood then before. For this last test, I push so much water into me, that I had to pee every 15 minutes, and they told me, that I needed to drink more water, it would make it easier. So here is my theory, I think that they do not know there job as well as they should, and will not admit it, it is easier to make it the patient fault. I always ask for the supervisor if they do not get it the first time. They have to use a baby butterfly needle, because my vains are small and float. I have gone back to the same place so many times, they bring the supervisor out to draw my blood without me asking.
   — cindy

December 1, 2003
Drinks lots of water the day before and the day of the blood work. The more your body is hydrated, the easier to get blood. I learned this trick years ago when my hubby had to give blood prior to surgery. The first time was really hard for them to get blood. The nurse told him to drink lots of fluids the day before (no caffeine) ... he did and it was a breeze the 2nd time. Hope it gets better for you.
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 1, 2003
I am super-difficult to get blood from. I have felt your pain. My suggestions : (1) Make sure they are using a BUTTERFLY needle. Butterflys are smaller and finer, and good for difficult blood draws. They are also more expensive than regular needles, so they are not usually the first needle that is chosen. But every place has them. I tell them, "Get a butterfly, please. Noone is sticking me except with a butterfly." You can say this, too. (2)Also, you can say this - "I am EXTREMELY difficult to get blood from. I need someone who is very good and who can do hands, because you might need to get it from my hand." Mention of hands usually scares off the less gifted blood drawers. (I don't even let anyone stick me in the arm anymore, as it is just a waste of time, in my case. I just have it drawn from my hand.) (3)A problem with my veins is, even after they get the needle in, the blood doesn't always want to flow into the vial. When my doctor takes my blood, he hooks the little tube to a syringe instead of the vial, and his nurse basically pulls the blood out of me while he makes sure the needle stays in the vein. This works great. Nurses know of this technique, but I'm not sure what it's called. But if you have a problem with the blood not coming out, you could mention it. (4) Once you have a successful experience, don't let anyone else take your blood but that person. When you make an appointment, say "Is Lisa working that day? I want her to draw my blood." If they can't tell you, call closer to your appointment and find out. This is your RIGHT, and don't let anyone talk you out of it. You do not have to be a pin cushion because it is convenient for them. I am very assertive about who can and cannot draw my blood, and you should be, too. Good luck to you!!
   — Kim A.

December 1, 2003
I found where my best veins are, and I do not hesitate to point them out to the phelbotomist when I am having blood drawn. I have lost 88 pounds (lap rny 6/11/03), and my veins are showing much more easily now. But, old habits die hard, and I still tend to show them where to stick me! I had significantly fewer "misses" after I began to show them where to stick me! Good luck...that gets painful after a while!
   — Linda S.

December 1, 2003
Oh boy. <br> After over 4 months in the hospital (3 years ago) I could tell you some great stories... <br> But I am still a tough draw, even at being near my goal weight... and some phlebotomists still think I don't know what I am talking about when I tell them to "hot pack" me right away when I walk in the door. <br> Like the others said, up your fluids two days before, have them draw from your hand (mine goes best from between my knuckles at the base of my pinkie and ring finger on my right hand. It hurts like crazy, but it is much better than looking like a "junkie" for the rest of the day ;) <br> Have them use a butterfly. And hot pack for a good 15-20 minutes. They can wrap your hand/arm in hot, wet towels, then cover it all in a garbage bags. <br> I was on coumadin for a year, and had to get labs drawn once/week for that whole year. It was a nightmare. This method saved me. And they always saw me coming ;)<br> Good luck!
   — kultgirl

December 1, 2003
I've had so many surgeries and scars all over that it is almost impossible to draw blood on me without toruring me. SO Like the last poster I have to have my blood drawn at the same spot on my right hand. I INSIST on a BUTTERFLY needle. And I insist on someone with lots of experience and I tell them up front that I'm a difficult draw. Unfortunatly that also causes problems as they want to try their skill on me. So I insist on the one woman who does the best on me. Also I try to drink plenty of water for at least an hour before the draw, and keep my HAND down constantly as long as I can. That seems to pop the viens out in my hand.
   — Danmark

December 2, 2003
Hi. I draw blood daily and these folks have lots of good answers like drinking fluid, avoiding caffeine and insisting on a butterfly needle. When all else fails, the hot pack is my saving thing. If they say they don't have one, have them wet a paper exam sheet and microwave it until it is quite warm- place it on your arm for a couple of minutes and it really helps pop up the vein. Also, blood drawers need to LISTEN to their patient when they tell them where their good vein is. Good luck to you. ps.- I have a patient who likes me to draw blood from her foot- have they tried that? Some people have good veins on the top of their foot. Susan
   — Susan F.

December 2, 2003
I had a nurse take a towel wet with real hot water and wrapped it around my arm then wrapped a plastic bag a round the towel and let me wear that for about 5 to 8 min. She was able to fine a vein easier.
   — charanewme

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