Donated blood - huge clot blocked the needle

[McNutt]

I donated blood today to help with the drive in my area for the New Orleans attack relief effort. I've donated before and did the double red donation. The woman kept working with the machine and having some difficulty. After an hour I had to go (kids needed to be picked up, so I couldn't stay).

When they removed the needle a massive clot was blocking the needle and they said, "so that's why it wasn't really pumping." I asked them if this should be something of concern to me and they said no.

Have any of you had this happen?

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[Holman]

Kudos to you for giving blood!

I've never had that happen, though. I try to give at least at least once every couple of years.

[gilraen]

Never had this happen either. I used to donate platelets, a lot (like at least once a month, sometimes more). But since COVID and WFH thing, I got really bad about getting dressed and out of the house in time to make appointments after work...I should really start doing it again.

[LordMortis]

Not here, but then I stopped giving blood 20 years ago when they said I was no longer eligible, due to high blood pressure and eventually going on blood thinners after they put a stent in my heart. And so began the next chapter of life, struggling with hypertension, cholesterol, and heart disease. Before then, I gave blood at least 4 times a year, however often they let me and a drive was going on somewhere. I was always slow to pump. Two people would cycle on the chair next to me before I was done and I was always fiddling with that hollow rubber ovoid trying to pick up the pace.

[Scuzz]

I have given over 5 gallons of blood over the years and never had this happen. It might be worth a call to your doctor.

I would also question how they would not have wondered what was taking so long.

[Smoove_B]

According to the internets:

When blood clots during a blood donation, it typically means that the blood is beginning to coagulate before it can be collected. This can occur for several reasons:

Anticoagulant Issues: Blood donation centers usually use anticoagulants (like citrate) in the collection bag to prevent clotting. If these are not mixed properly or if there is a problem with the anticoagulant, clotting can occur.
Vascular Response: The body may initiate the clotting process in response to the needle puncture or injury to the blood vessel. This is a natural physiological response to prevent blood loss.
Improper Technique: If the needle is not positioned correctly or if there is excessive movement during the donation, it can cause damage to the blood vessels, leading to clotting.
Dehydration or Low Blood Volume: If the donor is dehydrated or has low blood volume, the blood may be thicker and more prone to clotting.
Underlying Conditions: Certain medical conditions or medications can affect how blood clots, potentially leading to clotting during donation.

If this happens, the blood donation center will usually stop the donation process and may advise you to consult a healthcare professional to ensure there are no underlying issues. It’s important to notify the staff immediately if you notice any unusual signs during the donation.

Sounds like maybe they should have been watching you a bit closer. I'd probably speak with my PCP to follow up and make sure nothing is concerning. I have never heard of this happening to anyone.

[Kraken]

I was a regular donor for years. One pint short of my 4-gallon pin, I had a bad experience that put me off ever going back and still makes me leery of blood draws today. My often-tapped vein had apparently developed a kink. They had to fish around to find it, were sloppy about tapping it when they did pin it down, and the session ended in pain and bleeding and bruising. I still encourage others to donate but regrettably can't do it myself anymore.

[Punisher]

I was a regular donor for years. One pint short of my 4-gallon pin, I had a bad experience that put me off ever going back and still makes me leery of blood draws today. My often-tapped vein had apparently developed a kink. They had to fish around to find it, were sloppy about tapping it when they did pin it down, and the session ended in pain and bleeding and bruising. I still encourage others to donate but regrettably can't do it myself anymore.

I've apparently got difficult veins.
Blood work or or IVs means a digging expedition.
I recently picked up a vein finder but keep forgetting to bring it.

[Scuzz]

I was a regular donor for years. One pint short of my 4-gallon pin, I had a bad experience that put me off ever going back and still makes me leery of blood draws today. My often-tapped vein had apparently developed a kink. They had to fish around to find it, were sloppy about tapping it when they did pin it down, and the session ended in pain and bleeding and bruising. I still encourage others to donate but regrettably can't do it myself anymore.

I've apparently got difficult veins.
Blood work or or IVs means a digging expedition.
I recently picked up a vein finder but keep forgetting to bring it.

One reason I have given blood often is that I have very easy veins for a nurse to find.

[Daehawk]

I stopped donated when they wouldn't stop begging me all the time to come in an donate. Got annoyed . I have A- and they really wanted it.

[Scuzz]

I stopped donated when they wouldn't stop begging me all the time to come in an donate. Got annoyed . I have A- and they really wanted it.

That’s why they kept calling. I will admit though that few things are worse than charities that continually harass you, no matter how worthy they are.

[gilraen]

I have A+, and they prefer it for platelet/plasma donations. I can't donate plasma, though, tried it 3 times over the last 20 years or so, and my BP craters every time, and I end up passing out. So I learned to just tell them they cannot take plasma from me, only platelets.

[McNutt]

Here is the aftermath. I didn't go to the doctor because I'm stupid like that. This bruise looks like something you'd see on an 80yo and not a 23yo.

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[Smoove_B]

Good grief!

One time - once - I had a tech puncture my vein while taking blood for a test. He put the needle in my arm, missed and then proceeded to just "wiggle" the needle around until it was in the right position. I do not have a fear of needles but that was the only time I almost punched someone because of the discomfort.

Regardless, it ultimately ended up giving me a bruise about the size of an orange - nothing even close to that. I'm going to assume you don't have any fever or other symptoms at this point?

[LawBeefaroni]

If that is now (4 days after the incident) try to get toimmmediate care at the first opportunity. If it gets worse/is spreading before then, go to ER.

At the very least, send the photo to your PCP for advice.

[disarm]

As awful as that may look, it's most likely just a big bruise and will get better on its own. It doesn't get that bad often, but I have seen similar reactions to IV placements and blood draws on numerous occasions. Unless it gets significantly worse or becomes more uncomfortable, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Give it time and it will clear up, it's just going to take a while.

[Scuzz]

Good grief!

One time - once - I had a tech puncture my vein while taking blood for a test. He put the needle in my arm, missed and then proceeded to just "wiggle" the needle around until it was in the right position. I do not have a fear of needles but that was the only time I almost punched someone because of the discomfort.

Regardless, it ultimately ended up giving me a bruise about the size of an orange - nothing even close to that. I'm going to assume you don't have any fever or other symptoms at this point?

I do remember once when a tech apparently caught the side of my vein and I had a very uncomfortable vibration in my arm. Fortunately it used to not take very long to donate.

I did have a tech take a half dozen tries to get a tube in the back of my wrist before a minor surgery once. Finally another nurse took over and got it right the first try.

[Smoove_B]

I did have a tech take a half dozen tries to get a tube in the back of my wrist before a minor surgery once. Finally another nurse took over and got it right the first try.

I guess it's a skill like anything else. He was complaining about my "difficult veins" and maybe I was just dehydrated or something. Meanwhile, I can't stop thinking about the woman that took my blood early last year. She put her hand on the inside of my elbow and just sort of whispered, "Oh, you have such beautiful veins..." before sliding the needle in. I haven't seen her again and I genuinely think she was a vampire.

[Unagi]

See, now I kinda want to see your veins. Well, the inside of your elbow view... I've also gotten compliments.

[Smoove_B]

Onlyfans, but for veins. We could be rich!

[Unagi]

Onlyvamps

[Scuzz]

I did have a tech take a half dozen tries to get a tube in the back of my wrist before a minor surgery once. Finally another nurse took over and got it right the first try.

I guess it's a skill like anything else. He was complaining about my "difficult veins" and maybe I was just dehydrated or something. Meanwhile, I can't stop thinking about the woman that took my blood early last year. She put her hand on the inside of my elbow and just sort of whispered, "Oh, you have such beautiful veins..." before sliding the needle in. I haven't seen her again and I genuinely think she was a vampire.

It seems that recent nurses, at least that I have had, are being trained to mark a spot with a washable ink pen so they can then follow up with the needle in the spot they have picked out.

[Isgrimnur]

Thus pushing washable ink directly into your bloodstream.

[Scuzz]

Thus pushing washable ink directly into your bloodstream.

Somehow I am willing to believe that someone considered that before teaching it.

[Isgrimnur]

Seems reasonable.

[McNutt]

It's just a bruise. I'm still alive...

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[Holman]

Semi-related:

My wife has a collagen issue where her skin is thinner than most. This can lead to a variety of issues, but it also makes sewing her up after surgery more of a challenge.

This was relevant when our first kid was born. We had trained up for a natural childbirth, but the kid was just too big and we had to go for an emergency C-section.

When the procedure was completed, my wife was semi-conscious and I was in the operating room. I overheard a comment from the surgeon, and I said "See, honey? The doctor says you have thin skin."

She still hasn't forgiven me for that one.

[Isgrimnur]

Thus making you the winner.

[Rumpy]

It's just a bruise. I'm still alive...

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So, no zombification then?