What to Do after You Have Your Blood Drawn.
Please read this handout. If you have any questions, ask either the person who drew your blood or your nurse.
- Lie down for a few minutes after your blood is drawn. If you stand up too quickly, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded, or you may faint.
- If you feel faint or dizzy after you get up from the chair, sit down right away and put your head between your knees. If you can, lie down with your legs higher than your head until you stop feeling dizzy. If you keep feeling dizzy, call your doctor or nurse.
- Keep pressure over the place where the needle went in. Do not use that arm to lift or carry things for the next hour. Bleeding under the skin may happen and cause a bruise if the bandage is taken off too soon. This bruise may be large and sometimes can be painful.
- If you have any bleeding at the site, raise your arm above your head and apply firm pressure for 5 to 10 minutes with your fingers pressed against the bandage. If this does not stop the bleeding, you should contact the Infusion Center at the number below or call a doctor right away.
- If you have not had any bleeding, the bandage can be removed after two hours.
- Drink more liquids than usual for the next few hours. Eat well for the rest of the day. Do not drink any alcohol the day that you have your blood drawn.
If you have any questions, please call your doctor or nurse or the Infusion Center.
UW Hospital and Clinics
Infusion Center
Phone: 608-263-8369
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 09/24/2012
Copyright © 09/24/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5524
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