A blood draw is a simple procedure. Though simple, it is the last thing some people want to experience. For some, it is not at all scary, they will look at the entire procedure. For some others, they don’t want to see anything. And for yet another group, the process is frightening.
For those whom a blood draw is a dreaded experience, the needle, the pain associated with the needle, and the sight of blood are what makes them terrified.
Can having blood drawn make you sick? For many people, having their blood drawn poses no side effects. For another set of people, side effects and symptoms are common. The difference has to do with how the person perceives the process of a blood draw. If a person is afraid of it, then it is very likely he or she can become sick.
More often than not, getting blood drawn is simple and short. It can take as quick as 1 minute for a person who has good veins and is not scared of it. But it can take much longer for someone who is afraid.
What Happens To Someone Who Is Not Afraid?
I have done many blood draws for many people and I have seen those who were not afraid and those who were.
Having fear of needles is not an age related reaction since I have drawn blood from children who were fearless and adults who were scared.
So, this is not about a particular age group. It happens with all age groups.
The person who is not afraid of needles, neither the pain that comes with them, nor the sight of blood, having their blood drawn is quick, smooth, and fairly easy. They are not nervous or fidgeting and are fairly stable or at least they appear so.
Usually, people who exhibit that demeanor don’t complain of anything or show signs of stress or anxiety.
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What Happens To Someone Who Is Afraid?
If it is a child, most times you will be able to tell if they are scared of blood draws. They will come crying and fussing with their parents. Some are quieter and you may not observe any signs until you get to the procedure.
Each child will react differently. Some, after a brief talk with them and a few clear instructions, drawing their blood goes really well. For some others, it may take more talks and encouraging words or a walk with their parents to get it done.
I have seen the use of a tablet, like playing their favorite cartoon for them, work. For some others nothing you do will work.
For adults, it is slightly different, they are not as dramatic. Though, I drew blood from this one guy who told me “wait” more than 3 times each time I attempted to poke his vein. He would say he is ready and when I made an attempt for the vein, he would say, “wait, wait, wait!” He passed his hand in his hair, stumped his feet! Man, he was so scared of the needle!
I started to get impatient with him because each time I went for the vein, he stopped me. I was like, dude, “what’s wrong with you? You are not a kid.” Of course, I didn’t say that to him, it was all in my head. But he was a big guy, a university student! I relay all this to say, age is not a factor.
So what really makes a person sick? Because of the fear of needles or the sight of blood, a person can begin the process with anxiety. If the person does not calm down, the stress and fear can eventually make them sick. The arm shaking, a pale look, and sweating may be seen.
This is properly called a vasovagal reaction. It occurs when the body overreacts to the sight of the needle, blood or a lot of stress about the whole process. Some people feel nauseated, dizzy, or may have a short drop in heart rate or blood pressure. It can lead to fainting.
Donating Blood vs A Blood Draw
There is a difference between donating blood and doing a blood test. The procedure is the same but the amount of blood that is collected is disproportionate.
Small tubes are used for collecting blood when doing a blood test. These tubes can range anywhere from 2 to 10 ml in volume.
For blood donation, the amount of blood that is collected is anywhere from 350 to 500 ml depending on where you donate and the facility’s requirements.
As you would have noticed, small amounts of blood are taken for blood draws and large amounts are taken when you donate blood.
As a result, the amount of blood that is collected during a blood test should not make you sick. It is simply not enough blood to cause sickness. The symptoms you show are probably related to the anxiety you had while doing a blood test and not the amount of blood that was drawn.
However, the amount of blood drawn when donating blood can directly be related to you feeling sick. You are donating about a pint which is a lot of blood.
Side Effects Of Having Your Blood Drawn
Most blood draws will cause minimal side effects. Bare in mind that some of these are related to being nervous about a blood draw. So, if you can stay calm, you may not feel sick or lessen feeling sick. You may experience some of the following:
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Fainting
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Soreness
- Tiredness
How To Stay Calm
Staying calm and taking control of the situation can help you alleviate some of the side effects you may experience. Here are a few techniques to use to remain calm and in control. Read Tips for a Stress Free Experience: Staying Calm During Phlebotomy for more.
- Practice deep breathing before and during blood draw
- Use distractions. Read, listen to music, watch tv, play a game on your phone
- Look away when being stuck with the needle
- Bring along a friend or family member to lend support
- Ask if they use numbing cream or a device like buzzy to reduce pain
In addition to these, here are a few things to do when donating your blood.
- Get a good night’s rest the night before
- Have a healthy or wholesome breakfast
- Drink a lot of fluids before and after donating blood
- After blood donation, have another wholesome meal
- If you feel dizzy, lightheaded or sick let the person attending to you know
- Stay away from strenuous exercise or activity
- Don’t lift heavy loads for the next 24 to 48 hours
Conclusion
Can having blood drawn make you sick? Yes, it can! For blood tests, the amount of blood drawn is probably not enough to make you sick but fear of needles and anxiety about the whole process can. For blood donation, the amount of blood drawn can have side effects and therefore, can lead to you being sick.