Getting blood drawn/tough stick?!
Question: A couple days ago I went to get pre op blood drawn. It's a very minor surgery but my doctor still wants me to get blood work. I am a VERY tough stick. Two different nurses plus a lady from the blood lab tried to get blood but couldn't. They said I have veins but they are very small and thin. I have always been a very tough stick. I have no idea why.
They sent me home, told me to drink lots of water and I have to go back in the morning for another try. I am wondering if I can just ask them to try to get the blood from my foot instead of using me as a pin cushion. When I'm in the hospital (and don't have a central line) that's where they usually have the most sucess getting blood from me.
Answers: A couple days ago I went to get pre op blood drawn. It's a very minor surgery but my doctor still wants me to get blood work. I am a VERY tough stick. Two different nurses plus a lady from the blood lab tried to get blood but couldn't. They said I have veins but they are very small and thin. I have always been a very tough stick. I have no idea why.
They sent me home, told me to drink lots of water and I have to go back in the morning for another try. I am wondering if I can just ask them to try to get the blood from my foot instead of using me as a pin cushion. When I'm in the hospital (and don't have a central line) that's where they usually have the most sucess getting blood from me.
I certainly do not see why not. I am an oncology nurse and there have been several times we have had to draw from a foot vein if there is no central line. With a dr order we can insert iv's into the foot also. It's all blood from your body, right?(:
Ask them to get someone from surgery to do it. They put lines in people all day long
always worth a try. a vein is a vein. people just use the arm because its more convenient than anywhere else
Or, request that it be drawn from radial or brachial artery by someone experienced in arterial punctures. Much easier for you and the phlebotomist than poking and jabbing for a vein, and the sample is likely to be better.