Bruising after a blood test (2014)
Key points below
Why does my child have a bruise?
A bruise is caused by blood pooling under the skin. Sometimes a small bruise will occur when a blood test is done. It may happen at or around the area where the needle was put into your child’s vein. The bruise is temporary and will go away.
Can a bruise be avoided?
Not every bruise can be avoided. Putting pressure on the area where the blood was drawn can help prevent a bruise. Pressure helps stop the flow of blood to the area where the needle was put in. This may keep the blood from pooling under the skin.
What should I do if a bruise happens?
- Put a cold pack on the bruised area. This helps prevent swelling and reduce pain. You may purchase a cold pack at a pharmacy or use ice cubes wrapped in a cloth. Put the cold pack on for 10 to 15 minutes and then take it off for one hour. Do this as often as needed for 24 hours.
- After using cold packs for the first 24 hours, you may put a warm compress on the bruised area. This helps the bruise heal. It will also reduce pain. The compress should not be hot or steaming; just warm to the touch. Put the warm compress on for 10 to 15 minutes and then take it off for one hour. Do this 4 to 6 times each day for 2 to 3 days.