What Causes Flesh Coloured Lump In The Area Of The Injection?

Posted on Wed, 18 Mar 2015

Question: I had blood drawn two weeks ago to check my thyroid levels. I was concerned that the tech came in with gloves already on, and used the tray to gather her supplies with no liner. I was told that everything was wiped down between patients, but I was still concerned. When she was done, I had a small bruise (I've had worse) but it's been 16 days, and there is a tiny firm flesh colored lump in the area of the injection. Is this normal?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It happens in those who do not apply pressure after needle is removed

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
It appears that you might have had a little bleeding at the injection site and this is common when drawing blood. Pressure should be applied for 3 to 5 minutes after the needle is removed. If enough pressure is not applied on the injection site once the needle is taken out then few drops of blood might get collected under the skin and cause bruising. In some people it can take some time to disappear. If it is not hurting and not swollen up then there is no concern. Should it become painful then please consult your doctor for symptomatic treatment.

The tray not having a liner is not a concern as long the tech used new syringe and had gloves on and that confirms practice of safety standards.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (27 minutes later)

Thank you for your reply Doctor. I hate getting needles, so I panic a little and I wasn't watching as carefully as I normally do when I go to the phlebotomy lab. I was also a bit shocked that they were doing this in the office, so I wasn't mentally prepared. The tech had tubes, so it wasn't a regular syringe. The bruise is gone, but there is a tiny flesh colored bump in the crook of my arm. I don't remember seeing it until now, and it has been sixteen days since the draw. It may well have been there, but I've been wearing long sleeves because of the cold.

Is there any concern?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It takes longer for a bruise in the crook of arm to heal completely

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

It is possible that it went unnoticed because you were in full sleeves due to weather conditions. The crook of the arm is a delicate area and always under stress due to movements at the elbow joint. This taken longer for a bruise in that location to heal completely. If there is no pain and it is not bleeding or discharging pus then there is no concern. Please do not worry.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (1 minute later)

I'm so sorry for not quite understanding, but the flesh colored bump is the bruise?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please attach and upload a picture of the flesh colored area in your arm

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

I am sorry for being unable to make myself understood completely.

Can you please attach and upload a picture of the crook of your arm showing the flesh colored area so that I can have a look at your problem and give you more precise information and provide you with an accurate answer.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (1 minute later)

I took the picture, how do I upload it here?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please have your picture uploaded as follows

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

There are many ways to upload your picture.
1. Please locate the add report/ images filed and select the picture and upload.

2. If you cannot upload yourself then please mail the picture to YYYY@YYYY and mention "Query Id 173099 KIND ATTN Dr.Vivek Chail" in the subject line.

3. You can also mail your picture to YYYY@YYYY and mention "Query Id 173099 KIND ATTN Dr.Vivek Chail" in the subject line

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (2 minutes later)

This isnthenbump, very small, at the center of the crook of my arm

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is a healing bruise at the injection site and not a concern

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

It is clear from the picture that a has bruise formed at the needle puncture site and because it is in the crook of the arm hence it is taking time to heal. I confirm that this is not a concern and is healing. Please do not worry.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar