Can anyone please explain to me why you sometimes get bruises from blood tests?

[Pascha]

Is it because I did that thing where you bend your arm upwards afterwards? Should I have just kept it still? Or is it luck of the draw whether I get a bruise or not?

I think it depends on the person putting the needle in. I normally give blood with no problems, just a tiny hole where the needle has gone in.

This week however the needle felt uncomfortable going in and i've got a massive bruise. Bit annoyed as i have a posh party to go to on Saturday night

Depends on a few things really, your clotting, technique at taking blood, phlebotomists experience and skills, size of needle, lots of things.

I noticed i bruised more if the needle was in awkwardly and pulling a bit or if it was in for ages (blood donation). I think to some extent it's luck of the draw if you're susceptible to it. Dh never bruises from blood donation whereas i always did (i'm not allowed to give anymore ).

I'd say it's 50/50 as to whether I bruise or not. The phlebotomist yesterday was experienced so I wondered if it was me and something I could do differently.

Always wondered this. I always look like I've been soundly beaten after giving blood.

I brusied during last preg with dd because the plebotomist (sp) was rough and pretty much stabbed me with the needle, I said ow and she tutted. I think I sobbed all the way home cause I don't particularly like needles as it is!

In some ways it is luck of the draw, but bending your elbow afterwards won't have helped. The best thing to prevent bruising is direct pressure to the puncture site for at least 5 minutes.

They have to 'dig' around to find my veins. The last bruise was a record 6" either side from needle entry.

Keeping

My DP never bruises from blood donation either.

A clean swift light entry,good needle position,good vein, and pressure on an extended arm should ensure minimal bruising.