Aftercare
Private blood tests
What to do
- Press firmly on the cotton wool or plaster for a few minutes
- Keep the plaster on for a few hours
- Avoid heavy lifting with that arm for the rest of the day
- Drink some water and eat if you have been fasting
- If bruising appears, it usually fades within a week or so
What is normal
- A brief sharp scratch as the needle goes in
- A small bruise where the sample was taken
- Feeling lightheaded for a moment
When to call
Having blood taken is a routine, low-risk procedure. Fainting, a larger bruise or swelling, infection at the needle site and irritation of a nerve are all uncommon. Contact the clinic, or your GP, if the area becomes increasingly painful, hot or swollen, or if you notice numbness or tingling in your arm or hand.
The clinic number is 07359 836026. If you are worried, call or message rather than wait. If you cannot reach us and it is urgent, call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.