Title: Bruising and arm pain - NHS Blood Donation
Headings: Bruising and arm pain
Bruising and arm pain
Does it hurt to give blood?
Will giving blood bruise my arm?
What if you can't find a suitable vein?
Why is my arm painful after giving blood?
Treat your bruise with R.I.C.E
Further information

Content: Will giving blood bruise my arm? Occasionally, bruising of the arm may develop. The bruise may look dramatic and some people can find this worrying, especially if it appears away from the donation area. Bruises are usually harmless and will disappear with time and it is normal for them to spread out before fading. If you do develop a bruise the following R.I.C.E advice may also help. What if you can't find a suitable vein? Although you may have been able to have blood tests taken easily at your doctors or the hospital, we use a larger needle which is in the vein for longer to obtain a full donation and this may mean your veins aren’t suitable for blood donation. Sometimes it is necessary to advise donors that they should not become a blood donor or to no longer give blood. We would like to stress this decision is not taken lightly and is made after considering all factors involved. Thank you for giving up your time to come along.