8 replies to this topic

[k10]

During the past year I've had a shocking amount of blood tests, at least one every month, up to three in a single month.

Is there any risks involved if I get further blood testing done?

[timziums88]

During the past year I've had a shocking amount of blood tests, at least one every month, up to three in a single month.

Is there any risks involved if I get further blood testing done?

Well you aren't supposed to donate blood more often than every 60 days I think? If it just a blood test though I can't see why that would be harmful - your body is consistently making new blood so if the doctors are doing it, I think you're ok!

[k10]

I was wondering if there could be damage to the vein over time?

Also what supplements would be a good idea to supplement with after many blood tests?

[StrangeAeons]

There's been a lot of hype over benfotiamine to protect vasculature, though I don't know whether or not this would be consistent with maintaining the integrity of a vein for phlebotomy. I think the conclusion on the matter is that good ole' thiamine is just as effective, if not more.

I don't think there's any risk from blood loss; you have to have an inordinate number of blood tests to have significant blood loss from just labs. If you're getting all those labs I imagine they're looking at hemoglobin, hematocrit, or ferritin anyways (all would be lowered from blood loss).

Your best bet in making sure your veins stay healthy is having a competent phlebotomist with good technique. Make sure they always wear gloves, always properly disinfect, and don't slap the veins to make them appear (this can actually skew certain labs). Insist on the smallest gauge needle necessary (a 23G is standard for a butterfly). If you feel shooting or stabbing pains, tell them to get the hell out and try again. A better way to ensure easy veins are easy to access is to stay properly hydrated, and to hold the arm low to the ground for a minute or two prior to puncture. Strength training and low body fat also make for great veins.
Finally, save the coveted veins on the inside of your elbow for last. It may hurt more, but if they can get your hand or forearm then you'll have the nice, big easy veins accessible in case you need immediate medical attention.

[kismet]

I was wondering if there could be damage to the vein over time?

Interestingly, I've wondered the same. Whether in the long term scarring might have a detrimental effect (either locally or in a systemic fashion*). The amount of blood they take is not a problem, but I've also wondered and speculated whether heavy life-long blood donation might be dangerous (via some sort of [accelerated] hematopoietic stem cell exhaustion; yeah I was bored).

*you know the whole atherosclerosis, calcification & nidus thingy, although, it is much more likely that some other vascular damage a. plays a much more important role on a systemic level and b. has long preceded any damage caused by those blood tests.

Edited by kismet, 14 May 2009 - 12:19 AM.

[nameless]

That is an interesting question. I sure hope there isn't any risk, as my veins would be falling apart by now otherwise. And as Peta mentioned, try to get the butterfly needle. I always ask for it, or pick technicians/labs who regularly use it.

I doubt it's universal, but I've found that Quest and Labcorp technicians tend to use the spear-like needles (at least locally), which I expect is because it's simply faster. But they sure can hurt sometimes.

I asked one technician who did use the butterfly why everyone didn't, and she said it's because it takes longer for blood to be drawn. So smaller, less busy labs may be more likely to use butterflies, I suppose. I also alternate arms, if blood was recently drawn. Although I'm sorta out of luck when both arms are used up.

[Lufega]

I've wondered this myself. Having the same veins pricked again and again should cause some type of damage, even if minor. No one will admit this because it's another case of the risk outweighing the benefits. I think things like B1, querceting and bioflavonoids should keep the endothelium healthy.

[yoyo]

maybe gotu kola as well.

[AgeVivo]

In some mouse and rat long-term survival tests compounds are administered intravenously everyday. it doesn't seem to affect lifespan, although i haven't read anything particular on the topic