Blood test

[fruitsalad]

I have my regular blood test tomorrow and always dread it because they can never find a vein and have to keep slapping my arm to get one to come to the surface why do some people have veins you can clearly see and some don't?

[Sqad]

They are all there somewhere.......it's just finding them.
If you are of a ...."fatty disposition" then the veins will be embedded in the fat and hence difficult to visualise.

[marval]

I have a similar problem, they find a vein to put the needle in and then it disappears.

[fruitsalad]

Not a lot of fat on me sqad

[ronnietoon]

age has something to do with it i think,and also genetics.

i was in hospital in 2008 and the doctors just couldn't fine a vein on a heroin addict,they finally agreed to let him do it under their supervision.

2 seconds job done.

[fruitsalad]

I was told to drink lots of water before I have it done will try this tommorow and see if it helps

[Sqad]

fruity...OK....your question was about SEEING a vein, not introducing a needle into it which is a different matter and depends upon :

a) the skill of the Phlebotomist.
b) the ability of the veins to retract when "attacked" by a needle.

[anneasquith]

i have problems when giving blood ( not fat ), i always suggest the nurses/doctors use the back of my hand with a " butterfly needle "

[LazyGun]

As a general point - extremely bad practice to slap the arm in an attempt to raise the vein. Has the potential to compromise the quality of any blood sample that comes out.

Approved guidance is to ask patient to lightly clench fist. Should vein be difficult to visualise or feel, check other arm. No easy to visualise vein, apply localised warming for a few minutes.

Whether a vein will show or not is down to age, genetics, fat or lack of it, hydration level, warmth - all sorts really.

[carlton23]

Keep the arm warm before will help the veins to expand.

[Old_Geezer]

Why wouldn't people be different ? They are in all else.
Tell you what, get them to install a tap so it is easier next time. ;-)

[littleja]

HI FRUITSALAD, I AM HAVING CHEMOTHERAPY AND NEED REGULAR BLOOD TESTS. LIKE YOU, MY VIENSRE INVISIBLE. LAST YEAR THEY WERE PUTTING 7 CANNULARS IN MY HAND ARM WITHOUT SUCCESS. EVENTUALLY I WAS OFFERED A PICC LINE AND IT WAS PERFECT. IT GOES FROM THE TOP OF THE ARM TO BELOW THE SHOULDER. IT DOES HURT GOING IN BUT ONLY ONE PAIN AND IT IS BEARABLE. MAY BE THE ANSWER FOR YOU. GOOD LUCK.