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What Causes Bruising On Arms After A Blood Test?
Question: Got a blood test at the dr 48 hours ago. I had minimal bruising yesterday and i woke up this morning and my arm looked like this. Do i need to go back to the dr? Thank you
Brief Answer:
Probably you should.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting your query.
I have seen the pictures you have attached and I feel that during the blood draw your vein got punctured in more than one place leading to bleeding into the surrounding area.
This is nothing very serious and will resolve on it's own over a period of a week at the most, however, the emptiness of the distal portion of the vein is not very reassuring, it could mean that there is a blockage in the vein distally as well or there is continuing leaking of the blood leading to increased bruising.
Considering all these, it would be advisable to pay a visit to your doctor again for a clinical exam to make sure that there are no major clots in the vein.
Hope this answers your question, please do write back if you have additional questions.
Kind regards.
Probably you should.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting your query.
I have seen the pictures you have attached and I feel that during the blood draw your vein got punctured in more than one place leading to bleeding into the surrounding area.
This is nothing very serious and will resolve on it's own over a period of a week at the most, however, the emptiness of the distal portion of the vein is not very reassuring, it could mean that there is a blockage in the vein distally as well or there is continuing leaking of the blood leading to increased bruising.
Considering all these, it would be advisable to pay a visit to your doctor again for a clinical exam to make sure that there are no major clots in the vein.
Hope this answers your question, please do write back if you have additional questions.
Kind regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your help. It has been 4 hours since i first tookthe pictures i sent you earlier. I attached another picture of what it looks like now. It looks better i would say. Do you still think i should be seen today or should i wait it out? Thanks!
Brief Answer:
Looks better, You may wait and watch.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for uploading the latest picture.
I can see that the bruise is getting better, hence I think it will be okay to wait and watch it for a day or two.
If it doesn't get any worse, you can avoid seeing the doctor again.
Hope this clears things up.
Kind regards
Looks better, You may wait and watch.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for uploading the latest picture.
I can see that the bruise is getting better, hence I think it will be okay to wait and watch it for a day or two.
If it doesn't get any worse, you can avoid seeing the doctor again.
Hope this clears things up.
Kind regards
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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