I had routine blood draw on August 12 of this year. Person who drew my blood pulled the needle out then placed cotton on top did not press cotton down. Latet when I pulled off tape there was a raised blue area. It spread over the next few weeks then swelled on one side above and below the crease in my arm. Pain has been radiating up,and down my arm. Went to ER, Urgent Care, received ultrasound ( reported no blood clots) saw Neurologist all who sent me home and said it is nothing it will heal but the pain and pressure is getting worse and now it hurts my ribs on botj sides to take a large breath. I have a primary care appt next week. What do you think?
Hello. Thanks for asking on Chat Doctor. Routinely if the site of venipuncture is not pressed for adequate time after phlebotomy, or in cases of difficult sampling or probing by the phlebotomist, there can appear a hematoma on the site. The blood collects in the subcutaneous area under the skin and since it is not oxygenated it turns blue. Hemoglobin pigment is broken down to biliverdin bilirubin resulting in color changes from blue-green yellow which finally disappears on its own. You can consult a doctor, but it will take its time and disappear on its own. You can apply thrombosis ointment on it. Nothing to worry. Thanks.