Bruising After A Blood Draw: What Does It Mean?

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Medical News TodaySubscribeBruising after a blood draw: What to know

Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN — Written by Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on January 13, 2020

Why it occurs
Seeing a doctor
Prevention
Recovery
Summary

Bruising after drawing blood may occur for various reasons, including liver disease, certain medications, and vitamin deficiencies. Some people may bruise after a blood draw more easily than others.

Bruising is not an uncommon occurrence, but it can be uncomfortable.

In this article, we discuss why bruises may appear after a blood draw, when to see a doctor, and how to reduce the likelihood of a bruise occurring.

Why might bruising occur after a blood draw?

a person showing bruising on their arm after a blood draw — It is common for bruising to occur after a blood draw.

When a healthcare professional draws blood, they insert a small, hollow needle through the skin to access a vein. This procedure temporarily damages the blood vessel wall and the outermost layer of skin.

Bruising occurs when blood from the damaged vein leaks out and settles under the skin.

Some people may bruise more easily than others.

Some causes of easy bruising include:

a history of excessive alcohol consumption and liver damage
taking certain medications, including antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen
a vitamin C deficiency
a vitamin K deficiency
some medical conditions, such as hemophilia and von Willebrand’s disease

When to see a doctor

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), bruising after a blood draw typically heals quickly. However, if the bruise is large, it may take 2–3 weeks to fade and disappear.

A person should call their doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms:

the hand becoming discolored
numbness or tingling in the arm or hand that does not go away within a few hours
worsening redness and inflammation at the puncture site
severe pain at the puncture site
swelling that worsens instead of improving

If a person is unsure whether their symptoms are typical, they should call a doctor or seek medical attention.

How to reduce the risk of bruising

A person can take several steps to reduce the chance of a bruise occurring.

These include:

Asking for a small needle: The WHO recommend using butterfly or 22-gauge needles for blood draws in the elderly.
Applying pressure: Apply firm pressure to the puncture site after the removal of the needle, and keep the protective bandage on for at least 6 hours afterward.
Avoiding strenuous activity: A person should not lift heavy objects immediately after a blood draw.
Refraining from wearing tight clothing: Tight clothing may prevent the blood from circulating and place extra pressure on the veins, leading to a larger bruise.
Applying a cold compress: Doing this may reduce discomfort.

Recovering after a blood draw

A bruise may appear to spread out in shape and size as it heals. Over time, it may change color from blue-black to green and then to yellow before fading.

To relieve any discomfort, a person can try:

Taking pain relievers: A person can take acetaminophen, but they should avoid ibuprofen and aspirin for 24 hours after the blood draw.
Applying a cold compress: A cold compress may help relieve pain.
Remaining hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and eating a small snack after a blood draw can help a person maintain their energy.

Summary

Bruising after a blood draw is common and not typically a cause for concern. However, if a person does experience severe discomfort, they should seek medical attention.

Taking some preventive steps, such as applying pressure to the puncture site and refraining from lifting heavy objects, can help reduce the chance of a bruise appearing.

Blood / Hematology
Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Primary Care

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

2, best practices for injection: WHO best practices for injections and related procedures toolkit. (2010).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK138495/?report=reader
3, best practice in phlebotomy and blood collection: WHO best practices for injections and related procedures toolkit. (2010).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK138496/
Annex 2, bruising: Information for blood donors. (2014).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310575/
Neutze, D., & Roque, J. (2016). Clinical evaluation of bleeding and bruising in primary care.https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/ff36/0369becfb2d9a0af0ecf591f325655568bd3.pdf
Von Willebrand disease (VWD). (2019).https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/vwd/facts.html

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Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN — Written by Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on January 13, 2020

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Why might bruising occur after a blood draw?

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