why are my veins flat?

Question

When I have blood tests its always difficult for doctors etc to get a decent vein to extract. They tell me my veins are flat??

Answer 1

To begin with I would think it very rare a doctor would be doing the blood draw. Meantime you may have very tiny veins that make it difficult to get the right size needle in for a good draw. It is usually not a good idea to use too tiny of a needle since it can alter the blood cells when they are smashed through that small opening. You could try drinking more water prior to testing to give your blood more volume which would help make the veins easier to access.

Answer 2

I am sorry you have to have to have so many blood tests. I hope there is nothing seriously wrong.
Women have a worse problem with this and building up your muscles will help in the long run.
I also have to have my blood tested a lot. I never let the technician take it from inside my elbow where the veins are deeply hidden and it is too sensitive. I always request them to try to hit the bigger veins on the outside of my forearms. If they are skilled enough, they can hit right away and it is totally painless.
Some technicians like to place a towel under your arm for support; others can do it perfectly without.
If the weather is warm, your veins will be more accessible. If you feel cold, do some stretching and flexing exercises for your arms before the test. Pretend you are playing tennis, or better yet, get a small dumbell of 1 kilo or so and work with it a few minutes before you're called in.
Good luck!

Answer 3

The aren't flat. The are just weak and further under the surface.
I am the same way. It is more common for women to have this problem since we don't have alot of muscles in our arms or use our arms as much as men. Sometimes the Doctor or nurse has to take blood from my hand. Every time I get blood taken the next day its bruises very badly. Just a small inconvenience for the doc.
There isn't anything wrong with you and it isn't some weird affliction you have to worry about

Answer 4

Because youre dehydrated. Try drinking more water throughout your day.. then to test if youre properly hydrated or not, take your arm and extend it out, with the inside of your elbow facing up as far as it can go. Then feel for your vein(s) in the crease of your elbow and if they are raised then you are just fine. If not, then you really need to drink water!

xx