How painful is blood extraction?
By Jenaisle
@Jenaisle (14078)
Philippines
June 2, 2023 6:30pm CST
Many of you had your blood extracted and the pain may vary from one person to another. Those who haven't experienced it fear it like the devil. I've witnessed a "macho" man who fainted when he saw the needle to be used. That's how scary it can be for other people.
However, let me tell you that blood extraction is relatively painless in the hands of an expert phlebotomist or venipuncturist. Others won't even feel the entry of the needle. They would be surprised you're done within a few minutes.
If your veins are thin or small or if your skin is tough (in old age), you may feel a bit of pain like a big ant just bit you. But that's it. Not more painful than that.
So, if it is really painful, you have to call the attention of the phlebotomist because something is wrong with his procedure. He may be puncturing your vein through and through. You, as the patient, have the right to complain.
Have you ever experienced blood extraction or venipuncture? How do you feel about it?
Image credit: Pixabay.com
24 people like this
28 responses
@AmbiePam (93898)
• United States
3 Jun 23
I have my blood drawn all the time. I got some taken last week, and I have to go and get more blood drawn for a different doctor next week. My right arm used to be a gold mine, but those veins have been used so often now, it’s almost just scar tissue in that arm.
I would suggest to anyone who is going to go get blood taken to make sure to drink plenty of water before you go get your blood drawn. It makes it harder on whomever is taking your blood if you are not properly hydrated. So drink, drink, drink as much water as possible before going.
Getting your blood drawn doesn’t feel good, but the pain is so small to me. Unfortunately, I’ve been in situations where it took the person 7 different tries in 7 different places before they were able to draw my blood. I was very nice about it, but I was unhappy with the experience. It has happened more than once. Not to mention all the “diggers” out there.
5 people like this
@Jenaisle (14078)
• Philippines
3 Jun 23
OMG! What a terrible experience. There are needles for veins that are difficult to extract from. I feel for you. When a vein is often extracted from an expert phlebotomist, it becomes prominent, so it becomes easier for the next extractions. I wonder why they couldn't get one and tried it 7 times. In our school hospital, a phlebotomist would be in trouble for that.
1 person likes this
@Jenaisle (14078)
• Philippines
3 Jun 23
@AmbiePam hahaha, 
You're teaching them what they should do. Yes, I was talking about those. You should also tell them what vein is the easiest to extract from. . If your MT is skilled enough, He could determine the best site and the best equipment to use without you telling him.
You're teaching them what they should do. Yes, I was talking about those. You should also tell them what vein is the easiest to extract from. . If your MT is skilled enough, He could determine the best site and the best equipment to use without you telling him.2 people like this
I hope you will recover soon from your anemia. Take care.
@RasmaSandra (80748)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
3 Jun 23
I hate needles and do not like having my blood taken but when I have had to do this it is really not bad at all,
3 people like this
@Scrapper88 (5983)
• United States
3 Jun 23
I have had my blood taken several times. It is no big deal to me.
4 people like this
@Nakitakona (56486)
• Philippines
3 Jun 23
I have a lot friends especially members of our Church who donated several cc liters of blood. I never heard from them complaining that it's painful
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (56486)
• Philippines
4 Jun 23
@Jenaisle It's the annual blood letting program of our Church.
1 person likes this
@youless (112586)
• Guangzhou, China
4 Jun 23
In fact the blood extraction is not very paintful, but it is true that many people are scared of it, so am I. This is whenever I have blood extraction, I will look at other side and think of other things so that I won't forcus on the blood extraction
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (16503)
• Raurkela, India
3 Jun 23
I had my blood extracted several times but I did experience much pain, just a pinch.
1 person likes this
@Jenaisle (14078)
• Philippines
3 Jun 23
@aninditasen That's wonderful. You're not stressed out. Take care.
@aninditasen (16503)
• Raurkela, India
3 Jun 23
@Jenaisle Yes, till now I got good MTs.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181698)
• United States
3 Jun 23
I have to have blood tests every 6 months. I look away as I don't want to see the needle. Depending on the phlebotomist, it can be relatively painless or a bit of a strong pinch. Have a good weekend.
1 person likes this
@ainnaqo66 (303)
• Indonesia
3 Jun 23
Actually I wanted my blood extracted, but I changed my mind cause I've heard some people had bad experience with that
1 person likes this
@SherafinaDuncan (166)
•
4 Jun 23
Back when we worked in a factory, every year we would undergo medical tests, including blood tests. I once had an experience where the needle couldn't take my blood, so the doctor injected the needle in the other hand. I, as a person who is afraid of needles, of course, felt that this was a bad experience, because I had to feel the needles in both hands at the same time.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160952)
• United States
3 Jun 23
I have done many blood donations and many platelet donations. The initial stick is much like a pinch if it is done right. I was hurt once, but that was no one's fault. The vein used in my right arm do not go straight and so it was painful.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37379)
• Toccoa, Georgia
3 Jun 23
I have never had any problem with getting my blood drawn. It never has really hurt.
1 person likes this
@Treborika (17853)
• Mombasa, Kenya
3 Jun 23
I really have never done that in my life before. I don't really recall on how it tastes to have known many more and more k
1 person likes this
