After a person has a blood draw, a bruise may appear. 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?

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 / HematologyMedical Devices / Diagnostics