What can cause a hematoma to form as a result of a blood draw?

Most commonly, hematomas are caused by an injury to the wall of a blood vessel, prompting blood to seep out of the blood vessel into the surrounding tissues. A hematoma can result from an injury to any type of blood vessel (artery, vein, or small capillary).

Can a blood draw cause a hematoma?

Getting blood drawn is a simple process, but the most common complication associated with it is bruising. Your doctor might call this kind of bruise is also called a hematoma. That’s a swollen area filled with blood. A hematoma that you get after a blood test often looks more serious than it is.

What is a hematoma in phlebotomy?

A hematoma is a swollen or raised area at the venipuncture site resulting from the leakage of blood into the tissues.

How do you prevent a hematoma in phlebotomy?

To prevent a hematoma:

1. Puncture only the uppermost wall of the vein.
2. Remove the tourniquet before removing the needle.
3. Use the major superficial veins.
4. Make sure the needle fully penetrates the upper most wall of the vein.
5. Apply pressure to the venipuncture site.

Is a hematoma serious?

Bruises generally are not serious. In contrast, a hematoma is a leakage from a larger blood vessel. The mark that it leaves might be dark blue or black, but it can also cause significant redness. More severe traumas cause hematomas, which may be serious and require medical treatment.

What to do if hematoma occurs during venipuncture?

a. Hematoma: Blood can leak out of a vein and under the skin during venipuncture. This can cause discomfort and pain and can complicate further collections from that site. As soon as a hematoma is noted, remove the needle and tourniquet and apply pressure at the site for a minimum of 3 minutes.

How will you handle a patient with hematoma?

To manage a hematoma under the skin, nail, or other soft tissue, a person should rest the injured area and apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to reduce any pain or swelling. It may help to wrap or splint the area around the hematoma to keep the blood vessel from reopening as it heals.

What is hematoma?

A hematoma is a bad bruise. It happens when an injury causes blood to collect and pool under the skin. The pooling blood gives the skin a spongy, rubbery, lumpy feel. A hematoma usually is not a cause for concern. It is not the same thing as a blood clot in a vein, and it does not cause blood clots.