What should you do if you hit a nerve during venipuncture?

Unless it becomes infected (worsening pain and redness), ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen, are recommended. It should clear up in a few days, but if it does not, you might want to see a doctor. A more serious injury from a blood draw is nerve damage.

Can a blood test damage your arm?

Every time you have a blood test or an IV line in your arm, it damages the veins. Repeated blood tests cause progressive scarring to your veins. Some people, especially those with kidney disease or diabetes, need a lot of regular blood tests, and their veins can get damaged over time.

Can phlebotomists be sued?

That said, there are a number of things a phlebotomist can do that is a breach of the standard of care and these can be very viable cases. Many phlebotomy lawsuits follow when the phlebotomist stray without a good reason from the median cubital vein.

What are the complications encountered during blood draw?

The possible risks associated with blood drawing are pain, bleeding, fainting, bruising, infection and/or hematoma (blood clot under the skin) at the injection site. If you develop bruising, this will go away after a couple of days and can be treated with warm compresses and/or medication.

Can a phlebotomist hit a nerve when drawing blood?

What happens if the phlebotomist hits a nerve while drawing blood? Damage to the nerve happens, unfortunately. When inserting the needle, if the nurse or other person drawing blood is not careful, they may accidentally puncture a nerve.

Can a phlebotomist hit a nerve?

Cadaveric studies have demonstrated a great deal of variability in the nerves of the antecubital fossa in relationship to veins, suggesting that even a nontraumatic, straightforward venipuncture can directly damage a cutaneous nerve.

Can you draw blood from a tendon?

According to the CLSI standards, veins to the front of the wrist (palm side) or lateral wrists (thumb side) must not be used for venipuncture due the presence of nerves and tendons close to the surface. Drawing from veins in sites other than these may subject patients to injury to nerves, arteries, tendon and bone.

Can a phlebotomist refuse to draw a patient?

Phlebotomists must also bear in mind that the patient has the right to refuse consent. Even if a doctor has ordered a blood draw or injection, the patient has the right to refuse any venipuncture.

What is the most common phlebotomy complication?

Hematoma: The most common complication of phlebotomy procedure.

How do I know if I have nerve damage from a blood draw?

Types of nerve injury

1. sharp acute pain at venipuncture site.
2. sharp shooting pain up or down the arm.
3. sensation of pain that changes in severity depending on needle position.
4. “pins and needles” sensation or an “electric shock” feeling traveling down the arm from the venipuncture site.