As a result of normal physiological variation, some individuals may have small, thin, or hard-to-find veins, making it a challenge for even an experienced medical lab technician to draw blood. This can sometimes be a result of dehydration, which causes the body to constrict its blood vessels.
What if no blood flows when the needle is in place? The needle may not be in a vein. Try slightly manipulating the needle. If no blood flows, withdraw the needle and repeat the venipuncture.
Ask for assistance from another phlebotomist or medical professional. If you cannot successfully locate a vein on a hard stick patient, don't hesitate to ask for help. Depending on the healthcare facility, there may be protocols in which other medical personnel must assist.
Plaque buildup, blood clots or narrowed blood vessels can lead to poor circulation. When obstacles or narrow paths slow down blood flow, it's difficult for your body to send blood to every part of your body in an efficient way. Exercise and healthy food can help.
Wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised over the elbow. Keep your arms warm during cold weather to prevent your veins from constricting. Let the phlebotomist know if you have a preferred arm or vein that has been successful in the past. We use the smallest needle possible for each draw.
It's actually good to drink water before a blood test. It helps keep more fluid in your veins, which can make it easier to draw blood.
When you drink a glass of water, it takes approximately 15 minutes for your body to absorb the fluid. However, when you're dehydrated, it can take about three times as long (45 minutes) for fluids to make their way from the stomach into the bloodstream and to the rest of the body.
If the needle doesn't penetrate the wall of the vein, the blood flow will be very slow. In this case, the phlebotomist should gently push the needle into the vein. If the vein is not well anchored during needle insertion, the needle can slip to the side of the vein instead of into the vein.
Here are some common reasons: Tourniquet is too tight. Perhaps you keep blowing veins because you are placing the tourniquet too tightly on the arm. If that's the case, you might need to reduce your pressure.
Chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, is a condition in which veins have problems moving blood back to the heart. It's also known as chronic venous stasis, phlebitis or post-thrombotic syndrome. It most often affects veins in the legs, although it sometimes occurs in the arms.
Ideally, start drinking more fluids the day before your blood draw, and continue to drink water before you have your blood drawn. Excessive amounts aren't necessary; most sources ecommend that an adult drink 64 ounces of water per day for good health, which is more than adequate for having your blood drawn.
The person drawing blood should not make more than two venipuncture attempts on one patient. After two unsuccessful attempts, notify the nurse or doctor by completing a “Report of Unsuccessful Attempt to Draw” form (Attachment A). The phlebotomist and the patients nurse sign the form.
Drink a gallon of water every day: The more water you drink, the less your body will need to retain on a baseline level (that means more than 8 cups a day).
Thick blood is usually a symptom that the body is dehydrated, putting veins at greater risk of clotting and insufficiency. Bloating and swelling are two other common symptoms of dehydration and also typically signs of inefficient blood flow, leading to more severe complications.
Health professionals are reminded that water for injection can cause haemolysis resulting in patient harm, including death, if large quantities are inadvertently administered intravenously without being rendered isotonic.
Try holding your breath. Holding your breath hinders the flow of oxygen in the body and increases blood pressure. Close your mouth and nose and press hard. Bodybuilders sometimes use this trick when posing to make their veins pop.
Avoiding specific foods and drinks such as cooked meats, herbal tea, or alcohol. Making sure not to overeat the day before a test. Not smoking. Avoiding specific behaviors such as strenuous exercise or sexual activity.
Drink plenty of water before your blood test. Staying hydrated helps increase your blood volume. And it plumps up your veins for an easier draw. But avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks, which can dehydrate you.