Readers have written to me about strategies they have used, including: — Coughing, talking or smiling during the blood draw. — Using a cold pack on the neck. — Alternating between flexing ...

A bruise may appear after a blood draw ... during the blood draw process, and is usually not the fault of the healthcare professional doing the draw. The bruise may change in color from dark ...

Preparation strategies can help get you through the procedure. During venipuncture (blood draw), the phlebotomist (blood collector) inserts a needle through the skin into a vein and a small amount ...

For example, if you need to be fasting prior to your blood draw, it may be preferable to schedule it first thing in the morning before you have eaten. When it comes to the day of the blood ...