Partial Thromboplastin Time: Risks


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Risks


There is very little chance of a problem from having blood sample taken from a vein.

  • You may get a small bruise at the site. You can lower the chance of bruising by keeping pressure on the site for several minutes.
  • In rare cases, the vein may become swollen after the blood sample is taken. This problem is called phlebitis. A warm compress can be used several times a day to treat this.
  • Ongoing bleeding can be a problem for people with bleeding disorders. Aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), and other blood-thinning medicines can make bleeding more likely. If you have bleeding or clotting problems, or if you take blood-thinning medicine, tell your doctor before your blood sample is taken.


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Last updated: September 15, 2008
Author: Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
Editors: Maria Essig, Tracy Landauer

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