Failed blood test 😢…any helpful hints for next time?

[theresnoonequitelikegrandma]

I have tiny veins and am very anxious about needles so was already apprehensive this morning but I have an issue that requires investigation so I was trying to be brave. Unfortunately the nurse got the needle in (painfully!) but couldn’t get any blood out.

She’s re-booked with the specialist nurse (‘The Vampire’) for the same time next week but now I’m twice as anxious so I really need your best tips for making the next appointment successful please!!

TIA

I used to be the same. The nurses at my GP surgery all took turns on one occasion and then used the back of my hand instead as they couldn’t get any blood. I found that drinking loads of water in the a hour two before the appt helped massively. I did this when I was pregnant and having regular blood tests and no one had any issues.

I've been in hospital for 8 days ,needing daily blood tests. After the nurses failed to find an uncollapsed vein they sent the phlebotomist in. They were much gentler than the nurses and one of them bandaged my arm in an attempt to stop bruising, which helped a bit .

Make sure you drink plenty of water, an easy as it is try not to react when they say sharp scratch

Drink plenty for 24 hours before, make sure you’re warm.
do they feel for a vein or only look? Makes a big difference feeling for them!!

relax as much as possible. The more you tease, the more it hurts.

Getting ready for my meeting with The Vampire! Thanks to all your advice, I’ve drunk lots of water, am keeping my arms warm, taken ibuprofen so let’s go……..Wish me luck!! 🍀 🤞🤞

when you donate blood they encourage you to drink a lot before hand to make it easier to get the needle in.

Good luck @theresnoonequitelikegrandma! Please let us know how it goes.

I apparently have very deep tiny thin veins that are so hard to get blood out of that I even had a hospital phlebotomist take one look and just walk away with a “nope” 😂

As everyone has said already, make sure you’re well hydrated and do lots of clasping your hand, but most importantly (for your sanity) just try to relax. I also ask to lie down (if possible) as the whole stress of the process makes me feel so lightheaded. Close your eyes, deep breaths, try to relax and take your mind to some happier place elsewhere.

I usually warn the nurse/phlebotomist when I arrive that I have nightmare veins. And if they’re struggling, I tell them that previous ‘blood takers’ have found it easier if they use a syringe as that doesn’t collapse my veins. Some listen, some plough on regardless and turn me into a bruised pin cushion. Occasionally I get someone who draws blood on the very first attempt and I pretty much ask them to marry me. 😂

SUCCESS!! I have fallen a bit in love with Tracey who only told me afterwards that she’s never seen veins quite so tiny and uncooperative so she didn’t think she’d be able to do it! 🤣. Bit concerned that I was the third unsuccessful patient referred to her from the Practice Phlebotomist……maybe she needs to reconsider her role?🤣. Anyway, six phials sent off for analysis and now we just wait for results! After a large cup of tea and slice of cake!!

I realise this is too late to be helpful, but it might be good to keep in mind for next time. I have similar issues with thin and uncooperative veins. As well as the pint of water, I hold a hot water bottle over the inside of my elbow while I'm waiting. It's been a game changer for me and I've had no problem since I started doing this.
I'm glad you got through it in the end 🙂

Drink lots of water and keep warm is all you can do really. I have tiny veins (they tell me every time)!

Three nurses tried and failed to get mine in January. They booked me in with the nurse who always gets some and she got it first time, some nurses seem to be able to get blood out of a stone!

I’ve had to have mine taken from my foot recently and the two nurses i see have got really good at it.