Blood Test

[fruitsalad]

I have to have bloods taken monday for various checks and I absolutely dread it not the needle just the fact that she can never find my veins and it takes forever is there anything I can do to help the veins raise to the surface?

[daffy654]

Make sure you are warm before going in.

[fruitsalad]

Thats a good point actually daffy the last time I had it done I was feeling cold so that didnt help then

[daffy654]

When you are cold your blood vessels kind of shrink away from the surface skin to keep the internal organs warm. If you are hot you will notice your veins will be visible, in some cases they even 'stick out'.

[grasscarp]

If you squeeze your hand together tightly and look at your arm you will see the veins raise. However, some people just have veins that are harder to find than others.

[boingo]

Hello fruitsalad. I have the same problem when I have my transfusions, so they put a small electric blanket over both my hands and arms, but that is on the ward. You can buy instant heat hand warmers which are reusable, which you could put in the crook of your arms. They are quite cheap from ebay. Good luck.

[LazyGun]

warmth is important, as others have mentioned. Also, making a loose fist ( but not repeatedly clench-releasing).

Steady, slow and deep breathing to aid in controlling any anxiety you might feel during the insertion process and the blood draw itself.

[Clanad]

And... for several hours before you go drink lots of water to hydrate the veins... that along with staying warm will have a marked effect on the tech finding the vein...

[jno]

can you lie down while having it done? Stops me fainting, at least. A good blood person will be skilled at chatting to you to distract you while doing his/her job.

While warmth is good, I personally find I get warm very quickly and would prefer a fan or an open window. My own record is 4 hours before they finally got blood out of me, so I totally empathise with you.

[LazyGun]

I should add I mean localised warmth, such as wearing a loose long-sleeved shirt/jumper, although being warm generally rather than feeling cold will also help :) I did not mean to infer that all rooms should be heated to resemble tropical climes..:)

[China Doll]

Oh I'm the same, it's a pain. Recently even with muchos hand clenching and feeling perfectly warm they couldn't find my vein so ended up doing it from my hand - not ideal but it's not that painful and it stopped me having to go back!

[anneasquith]

I have the same problem, so rather than 3 attempts in the arm I just go straight for the back of the hand , a bit more painful but one attempt.

[cassa333]

I have that problem. I have collapsing viens so they often take 5 or 6 goes!!!

Drink lots of water an hour before you go. Apparently it hydrates the blood so makes it easier to get.

[mallyh]

when i have my fasting bloods taken my veins can be very stubborn they tell me to drink lots of water