What Happens If You Hit An Artery While Drawing Blood?
Drawing blood is a common medical procedure used to collect a sample of blood for testing. The procedure is usually performed by a phlebotomist, a trained healthcare professional who specializes in drawing blood. While the procedure is generally considered to be safe, there are some risks involved, including the risk of hitting an artery.
Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. They are thicker and stronger than veins, and they have higher blood pressure. If a phlebotomist accidentally hits an artery while drawing blood, it can cause a number of problems, including:
Excessive Bleeding
An artery is a high-pressure blood vessel, so if it is punctured, it can bleed profusely. This can lead to a drop in blood pressure and, if not treated quickly, can be life-threatening.
Pain
Hitting an artery can be very painful. The pain is caused by the pressure of the blood as it leaks out of the artery and into the surrounding tissue.
Bruising
As the blood leaks out of the artery, it can pool in the surrounding tissue and cause bruising. The bruising may be small or large, and it may take several days to go away.
Nerve Damage
In some cases, hitting an artery can damage the nerves that are located near the artery. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or pain in the area where the nerve was damaged.
Infection
If the puncture site becomes infected, it can lead to a serious infection. The infection can spread through the bloodstream and cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
How to Avoid Hitting an Artery
There are a number of things that phlebotomists can do to avoid hitting an artery when drawing blood. These include:
- Using a sharp needle
- Inserting the needle at a shallow angle
- Avoiding areas where arteries are known to be located
- Withdrawing the needle slowly and carefully
What to Do If You Hit an Artery
If you hit an artery while drawing blood, it is important to stop the bleeding immediately. To do this, apply direct pressure to the puncture site and elevate the limb above the level of the heart. If the bleeding does not stop after a few minutes, seek medical attention immediately.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about hitting an artery while drawing blood:
- Q: What are the symptoms of hitting an artery?
- A: The symptoms of hitting an artery include excessive bleeding, pain, bruising, nerve damage, and infection.
- Q: How do I avoid hitting an artery?
- A: To avoid hitting an artery, phlebotomists should use a sharp needle, insert the needle at a shallow angle, avoid areas where arteries are known to be located, and withdraw the needle slowly and carefully.
- Q: What should I do if I hit an artery?
- A: If you hit an artery, stop the bleeding immediately by applying direct pressure to the puncture site and elevating the limb above the level of the heart. If the bleeding does not stop after a few minutes, seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
Hitting an artery while drawing blood is a serious complication that can have a number of negative consequences. However, by following the tips in this article, you can help reduce the risk of this complication. If you do happen to hit an artery, it is important to stop the bleeding immediately and seek medical attention.
Are you interested in learning more about what happens if you hit an artery while drawing blood? If so, please leave a comment below and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
