Risks associated with having blood drawn are slight:
Excessive bleeding
Fainting or feeling lightheaded
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
Infection (a minimal risk any time the skin is broken)
Multiple punctures to locate veins
Special considerations:
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Review Date: 4/29/2005
Reviewed By: Frank A. Greco, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Biophysical Laborartory, The Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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