what does it mean when they take a shot for blood not enough blodd comes out?

Question

and i felt like fainting.

Answer 1

Nothing bad necessarily. It could mean the needle went through the vein, the vein could have went into spasm and clamped down on the needle, a clot could have formed, or the tube could have lost it's vaccuumn. Your vein might have also collapsed, which is no problem, it will refill, but it will stop the blood flow.

Or, you could be dehydrated or have held your breath. When you hold your breath, the buildup of carbon dioxide forces the muscles around the vein into spasm, which will slow or stop the blood flow.

To avoid this, keep yourself well hydrated (drink plenty of water, not tea, coffee, or pop) and relax. Keep breathing, and don't watch if it will bother you. It just sometimes happens, no matter how good your phlebotomist is.

Answer 2

I have very tiny veins, and they tend to move when they try to stick me. It takes either luck or a very talented nurse to get any blood out of me. So you are not alone. That also happens to me alot. The more they mess with me, even though I try to distract myself, I can't help but feel like I'm going to pass out.

Next time you need to give them some blood, TELL THEM before they stick you that you'll probably need a smaller needle (like they use on babies). And if you know ahead of time that you are going for a blood test, drink several glasses of water. That might help. Take something to fan yourself with if you get faint. And be sure to tell them if you feel sick. They need to know. One time they gave me some Sprite and it brought me back around.

Last time, after 3 visits and no blood, they gave up. Since I was having surgery anyway, they let the hospital nurses deal with me. Sure enough, there was a male nurse there who had success on the first try.

Answer 3

If it happens alot, it means you're a hardstick. (just like me!)

Drink alot of fluids before you go. I tried eating salty foods the night before, hoping I'd hold in water, but you know I forgot to find out if it worked or not the next day.

Ask the nurse to use a baby needle. Also, don't look when they take it.

Oh, and remember, it's best not to use a baby needle if they need SEVERAL tubes of blood.



::ALSO:: Don't ask for Litocane, or any numbing product that has to be injected. It causes the veins to bump around.

Answer 4

It means they have to do it again. If you were dehydrated, it might make it harder to get blood.

If you felt like fainting, it is likely a vasovagal response - your heart rate and blood pressure go down and you feel nauseated and lightheaded. You might pass out. It's a self-limiting thing - it gets better on its own.

It happens to a lot of people. Next time, lie down and try not to look.

Answer 5

They weren't in the right area to get the blood or your blood pressure was down.
Don't worry.Alot of people feel that way. Don't watch when they take your blood.