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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes A Hard Bump At The Blood Withdrawal Site?

I had blood taken today, from a vien inside my right elbow. A student in training took the blood. I never felt or had any pain when he stuck the needle in my arm, nor when he was drawing blood into several viles. When took the needle out, it hurt. It was like he was dragging the needle point out at an angle. Also, when he used an alcohol swab to clean the area where he was going to draw blood, he dabbed the area dry with a cotton ball (how could a cotton ball be sterile?) Now hours later, I have a huge bump on my arm, right at the place he drew blood from. The bump is raised about 1/4 inch or more, is about the size of a $2 coin, and is very hard and soar. Should I be concerned?
Thu, 19 Feb 2015
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi, It is at most a hematoma or a collection of clotted blood.
We usually alcohol swabs and cotton balls that are sterile. I would not know the practices of the hospital where you got it done. But Im quite sure they are practicing all sterile procedures for blood drawing.
If the hematoma is causing pain then you could go back to the facility and show them.
The treatment for the hematoma is compression, warm foamentation, elevation and anti inflammatory medicines if the pain is severe.
If you think the swelling is increasing then you should visit the ER to be clear that the artery has not been injured or sometimes the veins also don't stop oozing if you have some predisposing factors for prolonging the clotting time of your blood.
Do not worry, I feel its a hematoma and it should settle down in a few days. If compression is applied for 5 minutes after drawing the blood sample such problems usually do not happen
Take care,
Dr Rishi, New Delhi, India.
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What Causes A Hard Bump At The Blood Withdrawal Site?

Hi, It is at most a hematoma or a collection of clotted blood. We usually alcohol swabs and cotton balls that are sterile. I would not know the practices of the hospital where you got it done. But Im quite sure they are practicing all sterile procedures for blood drawing. If the hematoma is causing pain then you could go back to the facility and show them. The treatment for the hematoma is compression, warm foamentation, elevation and anti inflammatory medicines if the pain is severe. If you think the swelling is increasing then you should visit the ER to be clear that the artery has not been injured or sometimes the veins also don t stop oozing if you have some predisposing factors for prolonging the clotting time of your blood. Do not worry, I feel its a hematoma and it should settle down in a few days. If compression is applied for 5 minutes after drawing the blood sample such problems usually do not happen Take care, Dr Rishi, New Delhi, India.