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Tips for a good blood draw: small and difficult veins

3/4/2013

79 Comments

 
If you typically have trouble with blood draws (multiple pokes, small veins, difficult veins etc) you have come to the right place!

Having Lyme (and other illnesses) comes with lots & lots of blood tests. Things are constantly changing in the body & blood tests are usually the quickest way to detect these changes. Before getting diagnosed I had many years of doctors trying to figure out what was wrong...and that came with many many tests in itself. If I had to guess I would say on my road to diagnosis I easily got poked for blood 200+ times. The high estimate is due mostly to the fact that I have rather small veins which are difficult to hit/find. There would often be 3-4 missed attempts before success, and all the missed tries resulted in needles poking & prodding, sometimes even bursting a vein. This can cause veins to build scar tissue and callous over, which can make that spot/vein unusable.

With that being said, I know this is not an uncommon issue. A lot of people fighting various illnesses also struggle with their veins and getting a good blood return. It could be due to small veins, or it could be that the veins have been poked so many times they are getting tired of it.

Since I have always had trouble I went looking for tips online. I thought surely there must be something out there, but much to my surprise there was almost no information relating to this topic. So I wanted to put some tips I recently collected all into one place. Hopefully this will be easy to find for someone who needs it in the future!

1. Try doing curls with dumbbells. These by no means need to be anything extravagant. Maybe 1-2lb weights for a few minutes a day. You can even do this in bed. When you build these particular muscles up it pushes the veins up to the top of your skin & does 2 things: 1) makes the vein easier to access 2) makes the vein more plump & less collapsed. A common issue with veins if you are dehydrated, or if they are overused is that they collapse. Having the muscle built will help combat this issue.

2. Get as hydrated as possible. I know it's not always an option, like with me I get an IV when I'm dehydrated due to outside forces. But if it's optional and you know you are getting a blood draw try to get 2 liters in the day or two before to help. Hydrated veins mean more plump veins.

3. Put heat on the vein. Most doctors offices don't have this as an option, but heating up your vein helps a great deal by dilating the blood vessels & getting the vein to plump up. Since I get blood drawn at home I learned I have to take a hot shower beforehand since it gets everything perked up & going. I also have the ability to put a heating pad on my arms for about 30 minutes before. However if you are going to the doctor I highly recommend buying these "Hot Hands" which you crack & they release heat. Trust me on this, you will need these with you. They are ready any time and can be taken with you to place on your vein.

4. Don't plan a blood draw first thing in the morning. Veins are much more flat in the AM hours. If you do have to get something first thing in the morning then I recommend making sure you eat a full breakfast & take a hot shower beforehand to prep.

5. It can also help to gently slap or massage the vein right before the draw to get the to plump up. Key word here is gentle. After the nurse puts the tourniquet on your arm, it might help to pop it up.

Okay, those are the 5 tips! The times I had much better success with my veins were times I followed those guidelines. This last time we tried to start an IV I did none of the above & it was a hot mess. My arm went through a lot and ultimately no IV was started. I certainly learned my lesson since then! So if you are having trouble give these tips a try, and hopefully the process will be a bit more smooth.

I hope this information was beneficial to some of you. Have a great week.

Xoxo,
Christina

UPDATE:
This is a popular blog post, and as I have continued to have a lot of blood work throughout the years I wanted to let you all know that these tips have continued to serve me really well! Especially taking a shower and using hot hands on my veins, those two are the biggest contributors to success. 

However, I have an important update for those of you who struggle with either of these complications:
  1. Veins rolling 
  2. Useable veins are just difficult to find, but otherwise can be accessed okay (typically on darker skin tone)
My issue is problem #1. Often times my nurse will find a vein and it will be plumped up and ready to go, but when she puts the needle in the vein rolls. This is a really common issue that is frustrating because no amount of good prep can prevent it. I have some veins that roll like crazy, and unfortunately they are my best veins right now because the others have been overused. 

Enter, VEIN FINDER! These gadgets used to only be used by certain hospitals and they were very pricey ($3,000+). However in recent years they have made them compact and affordable enough for the average Joe. Most hospitals and blood draw centers do not have these on hand, which is upsetting. But, I found one that not only helps find the vein via a special illuminating red light, but it also holds the vein in place so it doesn't roll! It's targeted for sale for nurses, EMS workers and the like, but if you are someone who has to get many sticks due to a chronic illness, cancer, dialyses etc, then this is worth its weight in gold. And it's not even outrageously priced! This Vein Finder perfectly holds the vein in place so it doesn't roll, and is magical. Even though I know exactly where my veins are this has helped make difficult sticks a rarity. I wanted to share in case anyone is in the same boat!

79 Comments
Rachael
12/22/2013 08:24:34 pm

Thank you for this, was struggling to find tips.

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yogesh
1/6/2019 12:49:44 am

good one ! thank you very much

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Regina Whitmer
10/17/2019 12:27:12 pm

I can't thank you enough for these tips. I just returned from a successful draw. I drank a LOT of water over the past two days, but the phlebotomist said the key was the heat pad I had on my arm for the 30 minutes before my appt. She still had to use a butterfly needle, but she got in on the first try. Thanks again!

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Lisa
10/9/2014 08:17:58 am

Thanks, I have been searching for tips also for this problem

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Christina
10/9/2014 08:33:35 am

I hope that it will be helpful for you Lisa!

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Lisa
5/1/2018 04:34:36 am

What is your opinion about vein finder devices?
They seem pretty helpful in finding veins. You can see what I mean here: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-vein-finder/

Launa
10/25/2020 04:36:46 pm

I have suffered through this for years since I had spinal meningitis twice. I have developed actual abscess and my veins are shot. I get so tired of everyone saying what happened to your veins when you can clearly see that my scars are 30 + yrs old just like I keep saying
Blood draws and ivs are a complete nightmare. This is a emergency situation. I broke my ankle not to long ago and it took them over an hour and 3 different people to start a iv for surgery. I need surgery to take the hardware out now and could just cry my eyes out at the thought of being put thorough that again so soon. I know it takes awhile to use weights to build up my veins. But I will try being hydrated.

Mary Salvi
4/4/2021 11:54:00 am

Thank you for the good advice

Jessica
5/20/2015 01:43:43 am

Having this same issue with my daughter. Had our first unsuccessful draw this morning. Going to try your tips but she has to be fasting. Thanks.

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Christina
5/27/2015 01:49:49 pm

Hi there! I hope this helped your daughter, thank you for stopping by & leaving a kind word

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R. D.
9/8/2016 03:17:11 pm

Even fasting tests allow for drinking water!! She can drink all she wants. :-)

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Dozy
7/17/2015 09:58:35 am

Thank you Christina for being so thoughtful as to help others.

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Christina
7/18/2015 02:54:47 pm

You are so kind Dozy! Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a kind comment :)

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Diane Courneyeur link
10/5/2020 03:03:15 pm

Thanks for tips! years if unsuccessful painful visits fir blood. Today I drank three bottles of water, they used a heating pad. Two attempts on right arm and ine on left. Not even a dribble. So tired of it. Where can you purchase this infrared device?

Christina
10/9/2020 03:08:42 pm

Diane,
Im so sorry! I have the VeinFinder linked in the post above but they sell it a few places online. The best price I've found is what I linked from Amazon!

Yolanda
12/9/2015 11:32:15 pm

Thank you for this information. Blood draws and infusions have been almost daily with a minimum of 10 pokes before a successful draw. Leaving my arms black and blue and sore. I'm on blood thinners so I can't get a port due to my clotting issues. I need all the help I can get at this point. I have an infusion scheduled for tomorrow...wish me luck!

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Christina
1/1/2016 10:54:29 pm

Wishing you luck Yolanda! I'm sorry that you suffer from clotting issues & vein issues too, it can be so frustrating when you need access to it for meds or diagnostics!

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Tessie
12/15/2015 03:58:15 pm

Thank you so much!! I had a real bad experience today donating plasma. They inserted the needles wrong in my usual arm and then could find NOTHING in the other arm, making me worry if I even have veins accessible in that arm. I am going to use all 4 of your tips before the next attempt, especially in the arm with less accessible veins ... Thank you!

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Christina
1/1/2016 10:55:36 pm

Hi Tessie, I hope that the tips can be even mildly helpful in some way for your veins on the "difficult" arm. It can be scary when your veins stop being accessible but you NEED them!

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Mickeil Barksdale
2/23/2019 04:19:06 pm

wow the same exact thing happen to me yesterday they want me to come again tomorrow but I was afraid until I fount this information Thank you Christina for sharing this information

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Bonnee link
2/8/2016 07:48:04 am

Christina,
Thanks for all of the tips. I start 2 days early so that I am well hydrated. Still they blow veins and use different veins "to fill the vial's up. Hep C - my numbers keep changing and can't tell if I'm better or worse. 20 minutes on a pull? Lab days it doesn't change results???? Thanks for the tips. Be well.
Bonnee

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Angie
4/15/2016 01:15:25 pm

Thank you! I just spent 45 minutes being stuck and probed, only to be turned away from a treatment. The one thing I hadn't tried was the dumbells. Next attempt is in 1 week. Not sure how much I can accomplish in that time, but I'll give it a shot.

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Ann Leo
5/3/2016 03:06:57 pm

I not only have collapsed veins from all the pre-diagnosic Lyme blood draws over decades, but also well over a hundred IVs in treatment of the Lyme.
Then there are the last 15 yrs of blood draws to monitor changes in the treatment.
I Also have something like CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and the veins in my forearms and hands are so excruciatingly painful as to send me wacking the IV out, screaming for several mins, and then nerve pain up to my shoulder for a week.
I truly dread blood draws. And they don't get it!! Omg.. they think I'm a whimp!

0_0 nooooo...
ty so much for the tips!! =)

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Christina
8/17/2017 03:06:47 pm

Oh goodness I'm so sorry for all that you've gone through with your veins! I hope you found some success & some of this works!

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Dana
5/20/2020 10:49:45 am

Hey Ann Leo, find a spot that works for you and then tell them to use that spot.

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Diana
5/4/2016 09:30:13 am

These are pretty good tips for a successful blood draw. I am a phlebotomist and have a few more tips for you. Hydration is a huge help. When you are dehydrated your veins are smaller and the blood will flow a little sluggish. The heat is a great tip also. I use little warmers on my patients. A big help is the tourniquet. If that tourniquet is not tight those veins will not pop up as much. So, if you notice that it is not tight I would suggest they put it on a little tighter. This is something that an experience phlebotomist will know. A lot of newer phlebotomist don't have the experience of putting on a correct tourniquet. One more tip is to rub your forearms in an upward motion. This will help fill those veins and in away kinda wake them up. I know how it is to have bad experiences and multiple sticks. I work in pediatrics so I deal with small veins and use a lot of these tricks. I go into a patients room with the goal of making sure they only get stuck once and when I am done they say...."that wasn't so scary". Best wish

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Christina
8/17/2017 03:08:05 pm

Thank you SO much for your added tips! I will add them to my post and credit you for suggesting it, and I'm sure it will be very useful to many others! You've been so kind & helpful!

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Bruce, Diana and Lindsay LASERSON
11/19/2018 12:46:25 pm

You described my exact problems. If in LA area, can you suggest someone or yourself? Thank you

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LAURA L RAMSEY
7/26/2019 06:20:09 am

WARNING about the "fully hydrated" suggestion. After being stuck 5 times at two different locations last year, I tried the "get as hydrated as possible" suggestion and drank a boatload of water. When my results came back, my blood sodium level was "dangerously low" [125], which freaked my doctor out and I had to stop a BP med [which caused severe swelling and a dangerous increase in my BP readings] for 3 weeks and get REDRAWN. THIS time, I still drank a lot of water and my vein STILL rolled and I ended up with an enormous bruise AND a blood sodium level of 124. I refused any more tests and restarted the diuretic and my doctor FIRED me and cancelled ALL my prescriptions. I had to find a new doctor in a hurry who...you guessed it...ordered another lab test. I will NOT be drinking ANY water that day and eating nothing but salty foods because no one believes it was caused by the water. Every other component of both my CMP and BMP as well as a lipid panel and CBC were NORMAL. As was a urinalysis. After THIS experience, all I want is to get a "normal" sodium level to shut the doctors up, stockpile my BP Rx meds and avoid ALL doctors. So yeah, if you want to "hydrate" I suggest Gatorade, V8 juice or water with 1 tsp salt dissolved per 4 oz. I had a traumatic experience as a teenager from my first venous blood draw so I have always had bad veins. And yet phlebotomists and lab techs act like I do it on purpose, talk down to me, and worst of all, get frustrated and "dig around" for a vein. Fed up with ALL of it.

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Darcy
4/21/2021 10:54:30 pm

I know how you feel. I’m trying to get to the point where I can have a baby and I’m going through IVF and I have to get frequent blood draws for monitoring and it’s always a nightmare. I was so embarrassed today when I was turned away from Labcorp because they could not fill but half of one of the 5 vials they needed for multiple reasons. I drank and drank and drank water all the day but I did go for the labs around 11am and did not eat earlier. However, I drank water like crazy and still was stuck 5 times and had my veins dug all through. They even stuck me around my bicep, which was odd, but I was told there are usually good veins there. It was sheer agony and I was so embarrassed. I occupied a room for well over 30 minutes and other patients had to wait a long time until we finished and I still got nothing. I have to return tomorrow but I booked the appointment late in the day, hopefully to get the results. I won’t be able to ever become a mom if they can’t draw my blood and I’m super worried about being in labor and being in the hospital and they won’t be able to find my veins to give me medicine while I give birth...

Karen
7/1/2016 12:33:37 pm

Thanks for the tips! I don't have Lyme but am going through chemo and my last trip to the lab took 4 different people, 7 tries, and nearly passing out before we finally had success! So next time I am going to be intentional about getting my veins plumped up ahead of time! :D

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Christina
7/1/2016 10:14:34 pm

Hi karen! These veins can be so tricky sometimes! I hope the tips help make the next visit easier. Sending you lots of prayers as you go through chemo 💗

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Rise
7/29/2016 03:11:49 pm

First unsuccessful blood draw today and am going back next week, so I'm trying all your tips. Thanks!

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Christina
8/17/2017 03:08:51 pm

I hope you had some success!

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erika
8/9/2016 01:31:04 am

Thank you so much.

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Christina
8/17/2017 03:09:25 pm

💗💗

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susan
11/15/2016 03:06:50 pm

Hi guys,

I have been interested in going into the medical field for some time. And Phlebotomy caught my attention. I read on www.ephlebotomytraining.com that courses could be taken in less than 3 months to become certified. Do any of you have any recommendations on quick training courses in phlebotomy? I think it would be a great starting point to get my foot in the door somewhere and work my way up to other areas. Thanks in advance for the help!

Susan

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Pat O
11/3/2018 09:49:11 pm

Susan, Please don't think this is something you can do "quick and dirty." I am a difficult stick and getting blood drawn by an incompetent phlebotomist is torture. I see you posted this in 2016 - let us know what happened.

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Nisala Gunawardana
12/17/2016 04:42:48 am

Terrific. I was searching for tips to surface my veins. It is normally a nightmare for me.

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Shelia
3/15/2017 06:01:14 pm

Thank you for the tips. I've been on immunoglobulin IV therapy for 2 years. I have always had tiny veins and difficult to stick. I finally got a nurse that was excellent with me, but she got another job so back to the multiple sticks, usually 4 or 5. Started lifting weights so hopes this helps. I am always hydrated.

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Christina
8/17/2017 03:10:34 pm

I hope it will end up being helpful for you! And I wish you lots of luck with your therapy 💗

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Sara
4/18/2017 03:11:24 am

I had to get an iv today and after a couple tries of trying to find any veins at all to draw from, the RN used an ultrasound to find the vein. It worked well!

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Christina
8/17/2017 03:03:52 pm

I've heard of the ultrasound technique but never used it before myself that's so neat to hear it worked, hooray!

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Bunny Nose
5/23/2017 10:14:52 am

Thank you for these tips. I was told I have FLAT VEINS, which I have never heard of before. And I was told they roll or move, which I know and is why I have a lot of trouble giving blood for donating. I just quit donating because it depended, I thought, on who I got to draw the blood and how experienced they are. I still think is a key part of success in a lot of cases. To make a little extra spending money I have started donating plasma, which is a process. I came away with a quarter-sized bruise in my arm, and I had pinching where the needle was. I also have to pump my hand making a fist whenever the machine tightens the cuff around my bicep. That will last around 4-5 minutes. Then relax. Repeat. So it was stressful trying to pump my fist and not move my arm because it got tired. The dumbell curls are a good idea for this! The heat was another thing I did not know. I am cold in the area we donate in. Rubbing the forearms in an upward motion will also be used before getting stuck. I usually have a few minutes once seated before that happens, so that would be the perfect time to be doing that. Thank you all for your very important tips! God bless you. (I am going on YouTube and finding what strengthens veins naturally and maybe helps plumb them up too, in addition to these great tips.)

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Christina
8/17/2017 03:12:40 pm

I hope that helps! And if you learn any new tips from YouTube please do share I'd love to hear!

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Maida
8/17/2017 01:35:52 pm

I had a not so enjoyable MRI today, when the tech rolled me out to inject the contrast she dug around one arm then blew out the vein. She couldn't find the vein in my other arm so she went to my hand. Oh my gosh I thought she stuck the needle clear thru my hand it hurt so bad. I asked her if she had any she success, she said no, then i said you are done sticking me. So I hope half and MRI isn't wasted. I have MS so blood draw is pretty regular and it seems, maybe with age, it is getting harder to find a vein. I am definitely going to try all of these tips! wish me luck! thank you

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Christina
8/17/2017 03:34:02 pm

Oh my goodness, I can just imagine how awful and painful that must have been! Nothing worse than digging around and then blowing a vein, ugh I cringe because I know it all too well! I hope these tips can be useful for you going forward!

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Laura Brommer
10/17/2019 08:13:59 pm

Wow sorry that happened! I've had 2 MRI's in my life; both times they started the IV access as soon as I checked in and then just saline-locked or heparin-locked it for the first part of the MRI. When it came time for contrast, all they did was roll me out, injected the dye and then roll me back into the tube! Hope you can get the results the doctor wants without the contrast!

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Sandra
4/8/2018 09:48:51 am

Thank for the tips.
In my family, we have small veins and blood draws are difficult.
I’ve donated whole blood, blood plasma, blood platelets.
I drink water daily and more before a blood draw.
Years ago during adult swimming lessons, I noticed my veins appeared strong & up on the surface which I’d never seen before. Since then I do swimming like motions before a blood draw. But your tips of heat and building muscle with curls,
I’ll definitely add to my regimen.
Thank You!!!

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Lisa
4/22/2018 04:52:11 am

Have you heard about infrared vein finders? They seem very helpful in detecting veins. What do you think? you can see what I mean here: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-vein-finder/

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Sybil Christy
6/17/2018 04:19:11 pm

Thank you so much! I suffer greatly every time I have to give blood with multiple sticks and terrible hematomas. Finally someone who understands and has great advice! Thank you!

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Sam
8/7/2018 11:03:10 am

Thank you so very much for giving me hope after I have read all of these comments, I am so grateful to you all for taking the time to put this up. I have had chronic health problems for over 20 years and they find it so hard to take blood and this morning they couldn't get any. I have been really poorly for six weeks and on IV fluids and taking blood at the doctors is really hard. So I am going to try all your tips. I so wish you all better health for the future. Thank you Sam

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Sil
8/8/2018 12:23:02 am

Thanks a million. God bless you. You helped me so much. I'm a super hard stick, the poked me 16 times in the last 3 days. I'm going through so much😔this is for u🌷😍

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Amatullah
8/13/2018 11:41:36 pm

Thank you so so much! So helpful

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Dianna
8/20/2018 01:01:56 am

I have lupus and have been sick off and on my whole life. When I was able to work I was a LPN. Your tips are awesome and work for most people. I have super tiny veins that blow easily. Unfortunately none of these work for me because of being poked and prodded my entire life. My lupus is now destroying my pancreas and the pain is severe. I know they can't get an IV or labs in my arms without 6-8 attempts. I've asked for a Port which because I have no immune system they have been hesitant to do. Any advice? Thanks in advance.

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Christina
8/20/2018 01:10:46 am

Hi Dianna! Goodness I’m so sorry to hear about what you are dealing with and your poor veins! I so understand when they scar over and become an utter nightmare to get blood from. I know a poet can be pretty invasive & dangerous with a lowered immune system but what about a PICC line? Those tend to be safer and can often be used in place of a port. Just a thought!
Otherwise, finding new veins to give your other spots a break is useful. Sometimes I will sit around by myself and pump my arms and look around st what veins I can find. I’ve looked all over to just see where I can have backup veins.
Ooh and a last thought is to see if you can ever get a blood draw by a pediatric nurse. They are amazing at getting blood from the tiniest veins that you’d never think to get blood from. That would only Apply in a hospital setting but if you could request that then it’s another alternative. I know many locations are getting Vein finding scanners which I’ve never used but am intrigued by!

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Edison Maclane link
10/16/2018 02:39:35 am

It was really informative when you mentioned that slapping the part where the vein is located after applying the tourniquet will help plump the vein up and make it noticeable. This might be a good idea though there are people like me who have their veins a little deeper and so it is hard to get them to plump up even with a tourniquet. Because of this, I think it is a good idea to have a vein access product to use in case we encounter patients like me.

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Susan
11/1/2018 04:13:50 pm

I am a kidney transplant patient and was on dialysis for 18 months before transplant. Can they use the port from dialysis ? Lab Corp gave up trying on my first visit and told me never to darken their door again.

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Christina
11/1/2018 11:45:52 pm

Wow, that is completely unacceptable behavior for them. You should report them to LabCorp because that is horrendous patient care on their end just because they could do THEIR job. I am so sorry you had to deal with that, my goodness.
If you still have an available port that’s working then yes they should be able to use it to access, but I’m not completely sure because I don’t know what kind of port you have exactly. However, an experienced phlebotomist would be able to help you out with kindness and offer you solutions.

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Pat O
11/3/2018 09:53:25 pm

I'm kind of happy for her that they admitted defeat rather than torturing her - after around the 8th unsuccessful stab it make me nauseous. Unfortunately, my new insurance will only let me use Lab Corp, so I cannot go back to the lab with the phlebotomist who has been successful with me over the past three years. I am dreading it.

Charisse mae mercado
11/17/2018 10:15:11 am

Thank u so much! We are going to practice blood drawing semester and im really worried of my invincible vein. I dont want to hassle my future partner with it so this is really helpful for me

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Mickie
12/26/2018 08:21:53 pm

Went to have lab work today, after 2 trys was sent out to waiting room for 45 minutes to drink my fill. However, the 3rd & 4th attempt was a failure as well. I have always had issues due to my small vains and it's getting old. Thanks for the tips. I'm scheduled to go back in 2 days for another attempt. Hopefully it's a success.

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LAURA L RAMSEY
7/26/2019 06:27:07 am

See my above reply regarding overhydration. From here on out, they either get it "as is" or they don't get it. EVER. And NO MORE HANDS. I have a scar and permanent severe nerve damage in my right [dominant] hand thanks to the presence of a particularly juicy vein there phlebotomists loved and overused. And thanks to the latest presumed "hyponatremia" nightmare, I'll never down so much as a SIP of water for 48 hours leading up to a blood draw.

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Joe Tallerico
1/3/2019 07:41:37 pm

I ko what ur going through i am n the same boat. I m open to all ideals like to hear some

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Sharron Kramer
1/19/2019 09:58:25 am

I have had this problem my whole life! Been looking for a solution and help for years! I will try these next time. Thank you!

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Patty
4/5/2019 12:04:27 am

You're going through a lot and yet you chose to contribute this! I' a difficult stick and an preparing for some procedures. I'm going to use your tips. Thank you very much 😊

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Sue
7/16/2019 11:47:16 am

Thank you! I'm going through breast cancer treatment and I've always had difficult veins.

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Christina
7/16/2019 07:43:59 pm

Sue,
I’m so sorry for what you’re going through, but I hope that these tips will be useful to make the sticks a little bit easier. Sending prayers your way!

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Gloria M. Wilson link
6/5/2020 11:07:24 pm

I have the right to request that a central -line be put. Because I am tired of being poke so many times, it hurts my arms and hands. Plus I also have RA and Fibromyalgia too.

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CeCe
7/2/2020 05:48:55 am

Thank you so much for this. I read your article and could literally just change your name to mine. I was going for cancer treatment and no one could get a blood draw. They did end up getting a vein finder. Prior to that I had to decide if I wanted to warn them prior to the draw. I found that some if you warned them you are a hard stick, they were set up to fail. While others if you don't tell them, become aggressive and worse thing ever start digging around under the skin leaving huge ugly bruises that I'd have to cover with a long sleeve shirt in the heat of Florida. The one vein I could have success with is now all scar tissue and some will still try to stick me there. I have a new cancer this year and have started the nightmare all over. Other than the hospital which has the vein finder I am left to the luck of the stick. I've learned to ask for the smallest needle they can use and showing them areas they may have success. I will try all of your tips and very much appreciate your article.

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Christina
7/8/2020 11:58:51 am

My goodness I’m so sorry for everything you’ve been through! Your poor veins! I’ll be keeping you in my prayers as you take on cancer again, I hope so much that these tips can at the very least make one aspect of this arduous journey a bit easier.

-Christina

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Artie link
7/25/2020 05:18:59 pm

Some tips I’ve not seen before!! Thank you! Also may look into the vein thing you mentioned at the end lmao

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Crystal
10/21/2020 09:47:02 am

When working with veins that role. If you anker them at the top and bottom properly you can keep them from rolling. Example placing your Middle and index finger in a V shape with the Middle finger at the top and the index finger at the bottom of the vein. Then give a gentle pressing down on both fingers. stick in the middle of your V.

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Kristi
11/11/2020 06:10:11 pm

Even with the vein finder, my veins roll and collapse. I’m wondering if a diet change for the few days prior to a draw would help. I drink plenty of water every day and keep sodium intake to a minimum.

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emily bennette link
11/24/2020 10:45:50 pm

This is some really good information about blood drawing and how to do it if you have small veins. That is great for me to understand because I have super small veins and I would like to be able to donate blood. Thanks for pointing out that I will want to stay hydrated to help expand my veins.

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Joe
11/26/2020 01:39:11 pm

I have hard time my viens have collapsed I have none usually I got to get a ultrasound of my viens. I need help. Ty

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Michelle
2/1/2021 07:09:35 pm

Thank so very much for all these tips! I am recently through a mastectomy and cannot use the veins in my good arm for bloodwork anymore due to risk of lymphedema. I know from past trials that my "bad" arm is going to be a nightmare, and was looking for tips. I will definitely try the hydration and heat, won't be able to get the vein finder in time for the blood draw but will definitely have it for chemo, so thanks so much for that! I wonder, has anyone tried a lidocaine cream topical anaesthetic beforehand? I have read it's used for children who are scared of needles, as well as for those undergoing tattooing, microblading, etc. I hope to order some soon, was just wondering about others' experiences.

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HH
3/2/2021 02:30:06 pm

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and tips! Will try :)

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Full Body Queensland link
3/18/2021 01:39:02 am

Lovve this

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