Repeated blood tests or insertion of intravenous lines can damage your veins.
You may need them
Every time you have a blood test or an IV line in your arm, it damages the veins. Repeated blood tests cause progressive scarring to your veins.
Some people, especially those with kidney disease or diabetes, need a lot of regular blood tests, and their veins can get damaged over time. A few people may go on to need dialysis and a strong, healthy vein in your arm will be important.
This is because to enable dialysis, a ‘vascular access’ or ‘fistula’ is created. This is where an artery and vein are surgically connected to make a ‘supervein’ that can be used to remove and return the blood during dialysis.
Your veins need to be preserved in order to create a successful fistula.
What can you do?
If you are having lots of blood tests, ask your phlebotomist or nurse to:
Take the blood from the back of your hand, every time, if at all possible.
If not – alternate the sites you are taking blood from so the veins have time to heal.
Take extra care, as you have a special need to look after your veins.
Not to unnecessarily duplicate blood tests and only put in an IV line when absolutely necessary.
Show your support
Save Your Vein will be launching a range of awareness items in 2018. Please express interest if you would like to receive one, we will be in touch once these are available.
