What if you cannot see the veins inside of your elbows? I have like fat arms and stretch marks on them. Its embaracing the last time i went to the doctor to get my blood drawn, they couldnt find no veins... but some lady found one and drawed blood. I have a doctors appointment this wednesday and im embaraced. I cant see no veins. The only veins that are visible are the top of my hand and my wrists. If I tell her i want her to draw from the top of my hand or wrists, will she do it?
2007-05-27 15:21:40 · 10 answers · asked by cool_teenidsay 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
We don't just draw blood from veins that you can see.
The veins you can see are close to the surface. The veins you can feel are full of blood.
Preferably you would draw blood from a vein you can see AND feel (it is close to the surface and full of blood).
If you can't find those, you just have to find those veins you can feel.
Don't you worry about your veins. There isn't much you can do about it apart from trying to decrease your body fat percentage. This is a lot of hassle to go to just for the convenience of a phlebotomist. I'm sure you can find better reasons if you were going to do that.
Let doctors and phlebotomists (blood drawing technicians) worry about your veins.
Oh yeah - it's a HOT pack which tends to make the veins dilate. Cold packs tend to make your skin blood vessels close up!
2007-05-27 15:26:20 · answer #1 · answered by Orinoco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people are simply difficult to draw blood from whether it is because they are heavy or because they just have small or deep veins. Any phlebotomist (a person who draws blood) with more than a few weeks of experience should be able to draw blood from anywhere on the arms or hands. Some times they can find veins by feel even if you can't see them. If you prefer they draw from visible veins on your hand and wrists they should be able to. Just remember that the veins have to be big enough and straight enough to accommodate the needle.
2007-05-27 15:27:19 · answer #2 · answered by dopesniffingdog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when "looking" for a vein it is not just visual. The person taking your blood also feels the area. I first look and find what I think maybe a good spot then I palpate the area. Sometimes the best veins are the ones you cannot see. Being heavy would mean your veins are a bit deeper. If the person doing the draw is patient they will find a vein. Sometimes applying a cold pack to the area for a few minutes helps "bring" them to the surface.
2007-05-27 15:27:51 · answer #3 · answered by emtd65 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the person is a good phlabotamist (draws blood) she can feel the veins (even if you have large arms) plus she will know her anatomy and know where veins run. don't worry I have large arms too. and if you ask her she will draw the blood where you want but if you have it drown from your hands or wrists it will hurt more because the skin is tougher there. hope this helps.
2007-05-27 15:28:51 · answer #4 · answered by mamak3849 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, blood draws can be taken from the hand/wrist area. Most hospital personnel use the veins at the elbow area because they are usually the largest and most easily accessable. It's easier to stop any bleeding that might occur, and it's also closer to the heart.
2007-05-27 15:34:20 · answer #5 · answered by wjdarr 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't be embarrassed about anything.... Just to think that if they are drawing blood, They are there because they love to help people.....not make fun. But I really don't know if they would. I think they need a certain vein. But I'm sure you can ask and they will do whatever is necessary to make you comfortable.
2007-05-27 15:33:43 · answer #6 · answered by JessicaR 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
usually they want to draw from the bend of your arm....if you get a experienced nurse they will be able to find a vein. dont be embarrased by your arms. if they draw blood form your hand or wrist its going to be a lot more painful.
2007-05-27 15:31:38 · answer #7 · answered by stormy4 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No she can't do that. It would also hurt a lot. Some people have deep veins. While you are at the doctor why don't you ask for some nutritional counseling. Good luck
2007-05-27 15:30:13 · answer #8 · answered by greenfrogs 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know this girl that is a microbiologist and we've discussed blood bein' drawn many times. I wouldn't worry, the doctor has been through many situations and I'm sure he/she will know what to do. The important thing is to make it to your appointment, after that, you're in the doctor's hands.
No worries =)
2007-05-27 15:27:40 · answer #9 · answered by brandnewcause1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I have the same problem. I can only get my bp and heart rate out of one arm. My left arm you can't get anything done. how would like it if they had to put everything on the right side;IV,Heat rate and bp cup?
2007-05-27 15:28:53 · answer #10 · answered by NANCY W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋