Can blood tests damage veins?

[Deleted User]

Hi,
I'm not sure whether this was discussed before as I am quite new to this forum. Having RA, I need blood tests regularly, just like many of you. I have this quite attractive looking (at least to the nurses ) vein in my right arm. Every time I have blood taken from this arm, this particular vein is always used. The nurses see it and don't even try to look for another one. And it makes me think, whether this may cause any damage in that vein, because it's been used so often, even though every time I have a blood test I try to give them a different arm, just to give the vein a rest (it sounds silly, I know). Do you have any thoughts on this? I would appreciate any answer.
Thanks,

stickywicket

The answer's yes-and-no, nesia :roll: I've been having regular blood tests for the last 40 odd years - usually monthly, now 2 monthly, occasionally more frequent. If they use one vein too much it will start to collapse which will make their lives more difficult. It's best to alternate. Try to get the veins up in your other arm before you go in by clenching and unclenching your fist. I usually just present them with whichever arm is due for a jab. They can always use a butterfly clip which is a finer needle so they can use thinner veins.

janie68

I agree with SW, I tend to have blood taken from my right arm for last 17 years. The skin/vein has visible scarring now and is no longer suitable for IV. I would suggest alternating arms to help.

Janie

sulkycat

I have one visible vein and that always gets used. A nurse friend recommended I take a mini heat pad (the one you click to heat) and pop that on my other arm before blood tests, so that can be used for my next tests (tomorrow) .

[Deleted User]

I do alternate arms. Just don't want to get scarring on my good vein. And I have years of blood tests to come, unfortunately. Not sure if alternating arms is enough and the nurses never want to bother with the butterfly needle. Have been having blood tests for the last 9 years and only once they used a butterfly needle on me.

kellerman

Hi,
I agree with sticky...don't let them use the same good one every time...it will eventually collapse.
I had 6 months of chemo and all my veins are good but 1 nurse couldn't get the canula in any of them so I told her she had better leave one for some-one who could as they were all collapsing and then I wouldn't of be able to have it.
Nurses tend to go for the easy option...I know I was one.
Insist on the other arm and any decent nurse should be able to get blood out of most veins.
You shouldn't have scarring...this is one of the 1st things your taught.
I've had loads of needles over the past 10 years and I haven't a mark on me. Good luck May

ruby2

Hi Nesia
Mine collapse every time causing awful bruising.
They still manage to find something, I offer them the arm I feel will be ok that day, don't let them choose!

I have had other things introduced into the veins during ops etc. drips and what not.

When I am about to be ill the point where they take the blood often aches and a deep dent appears (weird I know). But its just my little warning I am going to be out of sorts for a few days. :shock:

Roo

[Deleted User]

Hi all,
Ruby, I never let them choose! My veins are OK for blood taking so there is never a problem really and they don't have to ask for the other arm. It's a different story with drips. My veins are thin and often collapse even though I keep my arms warm am myself well hydrated.
I completely agree with you May. Nurses do always go for an easy option. Every time I give them my right arm they cheer up and go for the same, lovely, visible vein. I am quite sure there are more there...

kellerman

Nesia....This is just an idle nurse thing.
I must admit there are some patients whose veins are well hidden.
Its your arm so just an idea...put an elastaplast on it or anything to stop them getting at it.
Sounds sneaky I know but why should they have the easy option.
As for bruising...the second that needle comes out press on it hard...it won't hurt and it should stop you bruising. May

One more thing...yes you will have plenty of veins that can be used...make sure they are.

amboritic

Just a small point before we all start to think all blood for testing is taken by a Nurse it isn't.

Much more likely to be taken by a plebotomist, i think the spelling is correct.

Even when you have blood taken in A/E is is sometimes taken by a HCA that has done the short course to allow them to do so.

A plebotomist is in Band 3, a Nurse will be Band 4 just out of training and then more normally in Band 5.

There may well be some Nurses that are idle.

But I have never had a single blood sample taken by a Nurse. Only plebotomists.

And as mentioned earlier there will be some damage to the vein. But it is only if the same site is used several times a days such as in IV drug users.

It is also very easy to get access if the vein is very obvious, but it really does depend on the skill level of the person doing the procedure.

stickywicket

amboritic wrote:

But I have never had a single blood sample taken by a Nurse. Only plebotomists.

Just for the record - I've had mine taken by phlebotomists, nurses & docs.

dreamdaisy

Yup, me too Sticky, though the phlebos tend to be better at it as that is what they usually do. I have never thought about the long-term implications of repeated blood tests, but common sense would hint that repeated pricking in the same spot could lead to trouble. I suppose the arm and hand veins are the most commonly used as they are the most easily accessible. DD

kellerman

Me too Sticky and DD and every 3 months by the HCA at my GP's.
The HCA assistant always asks which arm I want it taken from.....she's really good and I was the first she'd done on her own without a nurse standing over her.
I've never had any problems with anyone taking blood....but I don't think I'd be very happy if the same vein was used every time.
I appreciate they may be busy but we are talking about taking blood not a major job. May

julie47

Me too sticky dd and kellerman

I have had bloods taken by a nurse, doctor, phlebotomist, district nurse and......RECEPTIONIST :shock: ...(yes she was our gp receptionist at one time but obviously did training and is now a qualified blood taker)

They also have difficulty finding veins now as I have had regular blood tests over 23 yrs. I do try to alternate the arm they use.

Juliepf x

Colin1

Yes but you can alternate. it can be any arm. iot can be in the back of your hand and in your forarm.
Colin