How to Make Blood Draws Painless (2024)

Getting blood drawn may hurt for some people. However, in the hands of a skilled phlebotomist or nurse, a blood draw shouldn't be painful, though you may experience some brief discomfort.

Regardless of whether having your blood drawn is no big deal or a major issue for you, some quick preparation for your blood draw can make the process much easier.

This article discusses ways to help make a blood draw faster, easier, and pain-free.

How Blood Is Drawn

To get a blood draw, a needle that is attached to a vial is inserted into a vein. Blood is drawn from the vein and collects in the tube.

A blood draw is done as follows:

1. The site of the blood draw is cleaned with alcohol or another cleanser to clean the area and remove germs.
2. A tourniquet is tied above the site of the draw—such as the upper arm—to maximize the amount of blood in the vein while blood is drawn.
3. A needle is gently pushed into the vein, and blood is collected. While the blood is being collected, the tourniquet is typically removed to allow blood to flow more easily.
4. The needle is removed, pressure may be held on the site briefly, and a small bandage is placed over the site.

The procedure for drawing blood is called venipuncture. In most cases, your blood will be drawn by a nurse or a phlebotomist—a person specially trained to draw blood.

Many blood tests require a blood draw, and if you're having surgery, multiple blood tests may be necessary to determine if you're a good surgical candidate.

Tips to Help Make Getting Blood Drawn Pain-Free

If having your blood drawn makes you anxious or worried about pain, try these tactics.

Breathe

Don't hold your breath while blood is drawn. Some people hold their breath in anticipation of the insertion of the needle, which doesn't help if you're feeling faint.

Keep breathing at your normal rate and depth, and you'll be far less likely to feel lightheaded during a blood draw. If the potential for pain is making you nervous, the phlebotomist may have numbing medication available to minimize the pain.

Be Honest

If you fainted in the past when donating blood or having your blood drawn, tell the person who will be drawing your blood. If there is the slightest chance of fainting during a blood draw, positioning is key.

You shouldn't sit on top of an exam table; instead, you should be positioned in a low chair where falling is unlikely.In extreme cases, a patient can sit on a cushion on or near the floor rather than risking a fall if fainting is likely.

Don't Watch

If having your blood drawn makes you feel queasy, don't watch while your blood is drawn. For some, the sight of blood is the problem, so not watching while blood is collected can easily solve that issue.

Look away, read a magazine, or watch television or whatever will distract you from the procedure. If you must, wear headphones or even sing.You can't hold your breath and sing at the same time, which decreases your chance of passing out.

Request a Different Technician

If the person drawing your blood isn't successful after two tries, it's reasonable to ask for another nurse or phlebotomist to try. Don't allow yourself to be turned into a pincushion for an inexperienced practitioner or someone who is struggling to find a vein to use.

Don't hesitate to ask for the best, most accomplished blood drawing professional available—the staff will know who that person is if they do enough blood draws.

Ask For a Smaller Needle

The phlebotomist cantry using a smaller needle, called a butterfly needle, which is large enough to draw blood but often works well on veins that are hard to find, collapsible, or small. It is perfectly acceptable to let staff know you need a smaller needle.Don't hesitate to ask for what you need!

Be Still

If you're moving and wiggling while someone is attempting to draw your blood, it's likely that they will have to make more attempts to obtain the sample. Sit still.

Even if you are nervous, it's important to refrain from wiggling and fidgeting, or you could potentially add to the number of pokes required to draw your blood.

Ask For Numbing Medication

There are numbing medications that can be rubbed on the skin where the draw will be done a few minutes before the procedure.If you find having your blood drawn very painful, consider asking for a numbing agent before the draw, if it is available.

The effect is temporary and the medication is only used on a small area, so it is considered very safe.It is most frequently used for young patients but is available for adults as well.

Improve Your Veins for a Blood Draw

Full veins are plumper than veins that aren't as full. If you're having blood drawn, unless you've been toldnot to eat or drink, make sure you are well hydrated.

Ideally, start drinking more fluids a day or two before your appointment and continue drinking water up until your blood is drawn. Limit alcohol and caffeine, which act as milddiureticsand increase the amount of urine you produce.

Summary

There are a variety of techniques to make your next blood draw easier, faster, and pain-free: Making sure to breathe, looking away, sitting still, and asking for a numbing medication can all help. Don't hesitate to be honest with the person drawing your blood.If you are dehydrated and need 30 minutes to drink some water or want a different technician, speak up and say so.

By Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FN
Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She has experience in primary care and hospital medicine.