Needles and butterflies
Some patients express a preference for a ‘butterfly’ rather than a standard needle. Our team of phlebotomists are skilled in using both but there is a common misconception that the butterfly device is better. This is not necessarily true as the needle gauge (its size) is the same for both the butterfly and a traditional needle. The butterfly ‘wings’ allow the phlebotomist to hold the needle at an angle more suited for very thin veins. Your phlebotomist will use their skill and experience to select the best device best for your veins on the day you attend.
How do I get my results?
Once your results are authorised by the laboratories, they will be accessible by your doctor.
We cannot and will not give out results directly to patients, as it is usually necessary for your clinician or doctor to interpret their significance in relation to your specific condition.
Patients using their NHS app will be able to see some results at the same time they are sent to your doctor; however, a small category of tests are automatically withheld for a period of time from this service. The withholding of results is not an indication that your results are ‘bad’, only that this type of test is on the withhold list.
Will I bruise?
Bruising or a small lump (Haematoma) may develop after collecting a blood sample, but this doesn’t always happen. Bruising is harmless and will disappear with time and doesn’t require treatment.
Some patients are more likely to bruise than others., e.g., if you’re taking anti-coagulant medication (Warfarin, Rivaroxaban, Aspirin, etc.) which will slow down your bloods ability to clot.
To help minimise bruising it is important to press down on the area the blood was taken from until the bleeding stops. If possible, try not to lift heavy bags or lean on the arm used (i.e., Zimmer frame or crutches) for at least 5 minutes after the test.
The Phlebotomist draws enough blood needed to perform all requested tests and then they will remove the needle, quickly followed up by applying pressure using a dressing over the site to stop bleeding. They may ask you to press down on the dressing whilst they label the blood bottles.
Once this is done, they will tape a dressing or cotton wool role over the venipuncture site, and the blood samples will be sent to the lab for testing. This can be removed after 20 minutes if you wish. Please inform the staff member if you’re allergic to tape or sticking plasters.
How many attempts can they have?
It is NHS policy that all staff are only allowed to have 2 attempts at collecting a blood sample per staff member, per patient.
If your veins are proving particularly difficult to collect a blood sample from then (with the patient’s permission) that patient may be passed onto another Phlebotomist for them to attempt venepuncture.
The Phlebotomists can also use a Vein Finder (a handheld scanner) to help locate particularly shy veins.
Possible complications
Complications of venepuncture (and methods to reduce their occurrence):
| Complication |
How are our staff trained to counter this? |
What you can do |
| Pain |
Avoiding veins in sensitive areas.
Ensuring skin cleansing agent is dry before puncturing skin. |
Pain is a common side effect; you can request for blood to be taken from a non-dominant side. |
| Bruising |
Avoiding pushing the needle too deep.
Releasing the tourniquet once blood flow is achieved.
Applying pressure after needle has been removed for up to one minute. |
Continue pressure on-site after leaving the clinic.
Inform staff if you are taking any anti-coagulants, steroids, or aspirin prior to procedure. |
| Fainting |
Checking previous history and being alert to the signs and symptoms. |
Notify the staff if you are prone to fainting or are needle phobic. |
| Infection |
Ensuring staff hands are sanitised before and after procedure.
Using disposable, latex-free gloves during procedure, and discarding after each patient. |
Keep area clean and dry after Phlebotomy appointment. |
| Nerve Damage |
Avoiding sensitive areas. |
Pain can last up to a few days to a few months. Inform staff of previous occurrences (including location of injury). |
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to avoid these complications (ie, nerves are nearly impossible to find as they’re so small), but the listed methods help us reduce the likelihood of encountering these complications.
