Blood tests - is it true I have 'tiny veins'?

[cantthinkofaname2021]

Hi,
I used to be petrified of blood tests, I would faint every time. However over the last 3 years I've had to have about 30 which had got me used to them, especially with a butterfly needle
Today I went for bloods and was feeling okay, the nurse put the needle in and it hurt so much, I could feel it dragging around and she said she couldn't get a vein as my veins are 'tiny', they then tried the other arm and it hurt terribly but they managed to draw the blood. I didn't faint but was shaking & sweating
This has now set me back as I'm scared for next time! Is this true my veins could just be small? Is there anything I can do to make it easier? I assume it won't hurt so much if so, though usually it doesn't

Some people do just have thin veins, it makes it a struggle to get a sample. I always feel so awful if I have to have a second attempt.
Drink plenty of fluid before you go, the more hydrated you are the easier it is to get a sample from people with tiny veins. It hurts more if you are tense, take a deep breath in then exhale as they say ‘sharp scratch’. Maybe book a double appointment next time you need bloods & tell them you are difficult to get, if they have a couch in there they can lie you down or take plenty of time to put you at ease & relax you so they can get you back to being not so scared for the future maybe.
Sorry you had such an awful experience

I've been told my veins collapse once the needle's in in the past. If you find someone who's good at getting blood from you try and get an appointment with them each time.

I second Totallyworthit's advice about being well hydrated and also warm. You could try wiggling your toes when they say 'sharp scratch', it can sometimes help take your mind off what's going on.

I also have what they’ve called tiny veins. The worst I had was seven go’s before they drew blood!

The above advice is good. Also, keep your arms warm - if you’re cold it’s harder to find the veins. I used to need to have an iv put in regularly several years ago and they would make me sit with my arm in warm water!

I also request that they use the yellow needle on me, which is the one they use for kids. Sometimes they listen and use it, other times they ignore me, but a thinner smaller needle does help stop the vein from collapsing.

I have terrible veins, it often takes two people, or even three to get a needle in me! Last time I went for a scan and they put a cannula in for the dye injection both radiographers failed and had to call the duty doctor. I have fairly poor circulation which I suspect is linked? I'm always well hydrated as I drink loads of water. Someone also said I have deep veins so they're hard to see. On the back of my hand they're really clear, even I could get a needle in them!

I'm the same OP. They stab around, both elbows, trying and failing to get blood, usually have to resort to the butterfly in my hand (owwww).

Thank you very much for all the advice, I probably was abit dehydrated this time and never thought of that!
I usually ask for the butterfly needle aswell (I don't know maybe they're more expensive or something) but it's much quicker for the person doing it too, this time I didn't though as I didn't think they would say yes :(