Sedimentation Rate: Risks
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Risks
Blood test
There is very little chance of a problem from having a blood sample taken from a vein.
- You may get a small bruise at the puncture site. You can reduce the risk of bruising by keeping pressure on the site for several minutes after the needle is withdrawn.
- In rare cases, the vein may become inflamed after the blood sample is taken. This condition is called phlebitis and is usually treated with a warm compress applied several times daily.
- Continued bleeding can be a problem for people with bleeding disorders. Aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), and other blood-thinning medicines can also make bleeding more likely. If you have bleeding or clotting problems, or if you take blood-thinning medicine, tell your health professional before your blood is drawn.
| Last updated: | June 12, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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