Having trouble drawing blood at the clinic? see 6 surefire tips to make it easy

Certain diseases or health conditions sometimes require a person to draw blood. Some people managed to live it smoothly without a hitch, but some were difficult to draw blood. Either because the blood won't come out or doesn't flow into the syringe. Difficulty drawing blood can cause pain and discomfort, as the needle has to be removed and reinserted repeatedly until blood can be drawn. Why do some people find it difficult to draw blood? Is there a way to work around this?

What is the blood draw procedure like?

The process of drawing blood, known as venipuncture, is performed by a nurse or lab technician at a clinic or hospital.

Usually, the blood draw officer will inject a needle in the vein (vein), not the artery (artery). This is because the walls of the veins are thinner and are closer to the surface of the skin, making it easier to draw blood.

The officer will feel the patient's arm to find the most prominent vein to be used as a location for drawing blood. After that, the skin area is cleaned with alcohol to kill germs so they don't get into the blood.

The patient's upper arm is then tied with a tourniquet to clarify the presence of the vein and maximize the amount of blood flow in the vessel.

You will then be asked to make a fist to help clarify the blood vessels, only then will the needle be pushed slowly towards the location of the blood draw. When the blood starts flowing, the tourniquet will be slowly removed to make it easier for the blood to flow.

Why do some people find it difficult to draw blood?

The process of drawing blood for most people is generally short and painless, but some are the other way around. There are many things that can affect the smoothness of the blood drawing process, including:

1. Small or hidden vessel

Some people have veins that are small or hidden so they can be difficult to find when drawing blood. When this happens, the nurse will usually tighten the tourniquet tie or put a warm pad and return to feel the patient's vein until it is found.

Feeling nervous about taking blood that makes cold palms can also make veins more hidden. Warm body temperature actually increases circulation and blood pressure, making veins easier to find. That is why some nurses put warm pads on the arm to increase the patient's blood pressure.

2. Underwent certain medical procedures

People undergoing chemotherapy usually have difficulty drawing blood. This is because their blood vessels have been punctured too often so the process of drawing blood tends to be more difficult.

3. Dehydration

Do you often have difficulty drawing blood? It could be that you are dehydrated. The reason is, blood consists of 50 percent water. If the body is not properly hydrated, the blood flow is not smooth. Another case with people who drink enough water. The blood flow is faster and smoother so that the blood vessels are easier to find.

Therefore, make sure your fluid needs are properly fulfilled at least 2 days before the blood draw process.

Tips to make the process of drawing blood easier and less painful

1. Breathe

Breath control plays an important process when drawing blood. Because, this is useful for preventing dizziness or nausea when blood starts to be drawn. Therefore, try to take a short walk while catching your breath to minimize pain during the blood draw process.

2. Don't be afraid to be honest

If you have experienced fainting or excessive fear when drawing blood before, tell the nurse or phlebotomist. They will anticipate this by improving your sitting position to make it more comfortable when blood is drawn.

3. Don't look at the process

People who are afraid of blood are strongly advised not to watch the process. Because, this can cause tension throughout the body so that the blood is even more difficult to draw. Therefore, divert your attention to other things, such as reading magazines or looking at objects around you while catching your breath.

4. If that doesn't work, ask another nurse for help

If the blood draw doesn't work after two attempts, ask a nurse or other phlebotomist for help. Maybe this is because your veins are hidden or too thin, but this does not rule out if the nurse is inexperienced.

To fix this, the nurse or phlebotomist will likely use a smaller needle - called a butterfly needle - which usually works in cases of small blood vessels.

5. Sit quietly

Position yourself as comfortable as possible and sit quietly. Even if you're feeling nervous or anxious, try to stay as calm as possible so that your veins don't tense up and lengthen the time for drawing blood even more. Try to drink enough water to make you calmer. The more calm you are, the sooner this process will complete.

6. Using local anesthesia

This method is most often used for children, although adults also use it. This procedure is done by applying certain medications to the skin a few minutes before the blood draw process begins.

If the blood draw process is so painful, consult a specialist to get this anesthetic if available. This method is classified as very safe to use, because the effect is only temporary and can be applied to a small area.