I'm getting a CT scan next week for pain from a mesh in a while back. Today I had to get bloodwork before the scan. The tech put the needle through the vein. Swollen, stings and is black and blue within the hour. I put ice on it and the swelling went down. She acted like this happens all the time. Our insurance makes us use this lab so I'm stuck going there.

I also had my blood drawn for a panel a couple days ago. They took about 4 vials out. Its pretty much healed the next day, just a slight bruise and a red dot.

Is she the only phlebotomist there?

quote:

She acted like this happens all the time.

Sure, if the person is new, not paying attention, or the veins are in bad shape.

Had it happen once when giving blood. Looked like I took a fast-pitch softball right in the arm.

Labs should hire former junkies, bet they get the vein every time.

I went Monday and the girl drew out 5 vials. I accused her of taking 5 quarts. But she did good. Barely felt it and not even a spot when I took the bandage off. I was impressed. My guess it was just the girl taking the sample. Hope you remembered her name. Next time, ask for a different torturer. They may not like it, but there is no reason for you to be the guinea pig. You served you sentence, but once is enough.

Good phlebotomists are hard to find. I always have mine butterflied. Less painful and faster since all my other veins are shot. Baby warmer on the hand makes the blood flow faster.

I can't stand getting my blood drawn. Don't like to watch them do it. I just tell them don't tell me anything, just stick me and let me know when I can leave. They always try to put a bandaid on it even after I tell them I'm allergic to them. I just tell them to give me a guaze pad or cotton ball and I'll be on my way.

The worst is having fluid removed from knees, extremely uncomfortable and they use what seems like a foot long needle.

If I never had to do it again, I'd be one happy dude.

I’m what they refer to as a “bad stick” in my arms.

However, when I suggest they use the veins in the back of my hand, it goes easy. You might suggest they at least consider this next time.

There’s a touch to drawing. My wife has it and can start IVs on newborns.
My wife has had a couple of times when staff went to draw her blood. After multiple sticks that were bad, she got ticked, took the needle and drew her own blood. Yes, words were then said.

Were it me, I’d avoid that tech. You might ask at the desk who does the best stick. There’s nothing wrong with being your own advocate.

"I went to the doctor, but all he did was suck blood from my neck. Do not go see Dr. Acula."

-Mitch Hedberg


RIP

I give blood a few times a year for the last 20 or so years.
Usually double reds if they need them, a single unit if they don't.
Only a few times did I end up with a huge bruise.
I get a sting now and then, but most of the time I barely feel it.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
Good phlebotomists are hard to find. I always have mine butterflied. Less painful and faster since all my other veins are shot. Baby warmer on the hand makes the blood flow faster.

. Yes, back of the hand and a butterfly is usually easier on the patient.

I had mine drawn at my Dr.’s office For my mandatory bi-annual work physical. The girl that does it is the bomb. She knows the routine have me looking the other way and keep talking to me about anything... or be prepared to pick my big ass off the floor. Didn’t feel it, done with two vials in about 45 seconds. Not even a mark.

Now, every year at work we have a wellness screen so we can get a discount in our insurance payment. Those ladies are bad. Jab me all over like I am a voodoo doll!! Leave all bruised up and hurting. Almost wish they would curb stomp me and put a drip pan under my nose!!!

I had a doctor and about 8 technicians go in through my fimeral just over a year ago.... the bruise it left was the size of a basket ball and lasted a week ... somedays I can still feel the stitches....

My research nurse likes to do the back of the hand and an iddy biddy needle.... it's her call but I'd just as soon prefer she just use a regular needle in my forearm....

I typically get bloodwork once a year and donate twice a year. This was the worst time. Empty office but she rushed it.

Only once did I have a bad experience with a phlebotomist. Pissy, tubby, middle-aged woman in a hurry. Jammed needle into arm and pushed it hard over and around a few times. Scratched my arm pretty deeply too. Hurt a lot and I told her so. Had very bad bruising and my arm hurt for a few days. When a person called back to ask "how they did" I let 'em have it.

I'm okay with needles as long as I don't see them insert. I always look away. Works for me.

 
I always request a butterfly needle. They are not allowed to use them (cost more, I guess) unless the patient requests it, or circumstances require it.
 
Much better today than the 1960's, with glass syringes that were reused (autoclaved) and metal needles that were reused (resharpened and autoclaved). 5 samples meant 5 sticks. Today with vacutainers, just one stick and plug in different vacutainers for each sample.

For the last 6 month, I had blood drawn monthly to check the effect medication is having on my liver. The phlebotomists have been quite good, just a stick and a cotton ball with self adhesive tape and out the door. I get the results back that evening the same time they send them to the doctor. Got another one coming up in 5 days.

again , I feel very fortunate.
I get blood drawn three times a year, and have not had a bad experience in over ten years .

Person drawing is the problem, I've been to several labs without issue, last time the Dr said they do it in house, so fine, after 5 pokes I sent the tech out the door, even she knew that she was the issue, no words spoken other than.

"I think we're done"

quote:

Originally posted by rtquig:
I'm getting a CT scan next week for pain from a mesh in a while back. Today I had to get bloodwork before the scan. The tech put the needle through the vein. Swollen, stings and is black and blue within the hour. I put ice on it and the swelling went down. She acted like this happens all the time. Our insurance makes us use this lab so I'm stuck going there.

Can you find a different lab to do the work? Or at least have a choice of lab techs?