🩹 Aftercare Following Your Blood Test
We want to make sure you feel confident and cared for after your appointment. Here are a few simple steps to help your arm heal and reduce the chance of bruising or discomfort:
⏱️ Apply Pressure for at Least 2 Minutes
After your blood draw, use a cotton wool ball or dressing to apply firm pressure to the site for a full 2 minutes.
Even if it looks like the bleeding has stopped on the surface, your vein needs time to seal up under the skin.
⛔ If you’re taking blood-thinning medication, apply pressure for longer — around 5 minutes is recommended.
🩼 Keep the Dressing On for at Least 1 Hour
Even a small bump can knock off the fragile scab forming after the procedure.
Keeping your dressing on helps prevent the wound reopening and reduces the risk of bruising.
🏋️ Avoid Heavy Lifting or Overusing Your Arm
For the next few hours, try not to lift:
- Children
- Shopping bags
- Gym weights
Too much strain can reopen the vein or increase bruising. Give your arm a break!
⚠️ When to Seek Medical Advice
Sometimes, mild bruising or discomfort is completely normal. But please contact your GP or a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
💜 Excessive Bruising
A small bruise is normal. But if you notice:
- A large or spreading bruise
- Bruising along the length of your arm
This could mean the vein is still bleeding under the skin.
👉 What to do:
- Apply firm pressure to the bruise (yes, even though it might seem odd — it helps stop the bleed).
- Once the bruise has stopped growing, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
🧊 Bruises usually fade within a few days.
⚡ Ongoing Pain or Numbness (More than 2 Weeks)
You might feel a scratch during the procedure, but you shouldn’t have lasting pain.
In rare cases, the needle can graze a nerve, especially if nerves sit unusually close to the surface in your body.
🚨 Watch for:
- Pain, tingling, or numbness lasting more than a couple of days
- A sharp “electric” or “burning” sensation
👉 What to do:
- Apply a cold compress if there’s swelling
- Let your phlebotomist know at future appointments if this has happened before
- If pain persists beyond 2 weeks, or worsens, contact your GP
🩸 Continued Bleeding
If the site is still bleeding:
- Apply firm pressure with cotton wool or a sterile dressing
- Hold for at least 10 minutes
- Remain seated and calm
If you’re feeling:
- Faint
- Dizzy
- Sick
- Or your skin looks pale
🚨 You may be showing signs of shock.
Please call 999 immediately.
If you are concerned about any of the above, contact your local GP, or call 111 in the first instance. If these can’t help, then please contact us on
0 333 33 999 32 so that we can assist you further.