Getting blood drawn: Side effects
In general, it’s common to have blood drawn without serious side effects. There are cases, though, where you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
Pain in the arm after blood draw
Pain at the site of needle insertion is the most common side effect of venipuncture. The degree of pain varies from person to person, but it tends to be most noticeable when the needle initially pierces the surface of the skin and then subsides once the syringe is docked into the vein.
The pain or discomfort of a blood draw can increase in cases when a doctor or nurse makes repeated attempts to puncture a suitable vein. This is often the case with children or elderly patients, in patients whose veins are unusually thin, or those who have low blood pressure.
It’s also common for bruising to develop after venipuncture — and although this is harmless and usually fades with time, it can be upsetting to some people, particularly if the bruising occurs beyond the point of needle insertion. The more experienced the nurse is, the less likely it is that you’ll end up with bruising.
Bruising typically appears around the site of needle insertion (for instance, on the inside of your elbow or wrist), but can spread beyond this location. This is completely normal and should not cause you any concern. Although bruising can be unsightly, it should resolve over the next few days without intervention.
Very rarely, pain or discomfort in your arm, hand, or fingers can indicate inflammation of the arm, a tendon or nerve injury, or the puncture of an artery. The staff at the clinic or hospital where your blood draw takes place will be trained to recognize any of these uncommon side effects and offer you the most appropriate treatment and advice.
Contact a medical professional if you experience any of the following symptoms after a blood draw: