To want to jab the phlebotomist in the chops (lighthearted)

[age81]

I needed routine bloods today at the hospital, explained that my veins were really bad and could I have the baby needle (just to give her an idea that veins are non existent).

So the phlebotomist found a vein which is the only one in my arm worth going near and proceeded to wriggle the needle around 360• and nothing came out. She carried on until I asked her to stop.
I'm not just having a moan, I know how hard it can be for some people with bad veins but being gentle as they can is defiantly the aim.

[ItchyFoot]

Last time I had bloods taken (I'm pregnant) the phlebotomist took ages to get a vain. She tried both arms. Then while she was labelling them another phlebotomist came in and they started talking about personal things. Cue a phone call a few hours later saying she hadn't labeled the vials properly and they needed me to go back!
So jab away!

[pointythings]

There are some great phlebotomists around and some terrible ones. I have to have blood tests regularly because of medication I am on, so I go to my local clinic where they do a drop-in. Unfortunately the person who is usually on the job is a total butcher, massive bruise every time. And I have great veins. Every now and then I act as guineapig for my colleagues (research nurses) who are training to take blood and honestly, every single one of them, novice as they are, is better than this so-called pro.

On the other hand the lady who did my bloods with my second DD was amazing - I honestly didn't even feel the needle go in.

[age81]

Seriously though, wouldn't you think they would be spot on as they do it all day everyday.
I agree that some are great and other just rubbish, she went on to say one piece of toast isn't going to be enough to get blood from you need a proper breakfast! If I could eat a proper breakfast I would (medical conditions)
Needless to say I have a massive bruise that has had me in agony since 10 am this morning.

Bad practice Itchy, at least they realised though

[Masketti]

I am 'hard to bleed' apparently (except when they say it it sounds like it's my fault somehow ) so I know the 'diggy vein' feeling. Sucks! I am lucky however that no phlebotomist has given me that experience. The ones at my hospital are utterly efficient so YANBU to expect the level of competency that I experience at my hospital.

[JenniferYellowHat1980]

When my waters broke with DS I was cannulated by a med student (consultant birth). I kid not - the right hand hurt so much that my toes involuntarily twitched. She butchered that vein then went for the left, somehow shearing off the end of the cannula in the process which is still lodged in my left wrist. I don't care about needles in general but now I have to think twice.

[SquinkiesRule]

Rubbish about the toast, you need to be well hydrated and and warm. I used to do bloods out at peoples houses. mostly the elderly, and no back up person to try for me. I would call ahead, make sure they had been given plenty to drink, and would even have a warm pad to sit on their arm before I even tried to stick them. It helped a lot with those tiny rolling veins that would blow as soon as you touched them.

[RuskBaby]

Oh the wiggling drives me crazy, you aren't in the vein - please stop! Good phlebotomists are amazing. When I went for my booking in appointment the midwife tried both arms and hands then called for reinforcements letting me know if the back up couldn't get blood I would need to go to the main hospital. The back up lady got the blood thankfully! They both then told me that when I have my GTT the second blood required after 2 hours will be harder than the 1st go - filled with such confidence!

[Blerg]

I've always had this issue and as a student would run to the GP and do star jumps in the waiting room. That worked! I will try a hot water bottle next time.

Sympathies though, horrible feeling. I had a painful nerve once for a while but it went.

Hospital ones have been great in my experience. I once had two midwives try 10 times before they gave up. The phlebotomist did it right away.

[JeanGenie23]

Whilst I was giving birth it was all going a bit wrong so had a Canula put in rather quickly the midwife missed and I am so glad I had had an epidural, the bruise was unreal.