Thursday, June 4, 2020

OUT FOR BLOOD: why my arms are black and blue




I won't preface this very much, because I am exhausted, stressed, and must go through all this again tomorrow. So because it's my blog and I can complain if I want to (and badly NEED to), here it is. I have to go back into the clinic tomorrow and report on this, which makes my stomach drop through the floor, but I feel I have to, for the sake of other patients who can't or won't complain (and most people don't).




Review posted online June 4

Bloodwork incident June 1/20    

On Monday, a technician in this clinic left large black and blue marks inside both arms when trying to draw blood. She poked and prodded, bent and held my arm down, went from one arm to another, then got 2 vials (they needed 3) and said it had stopped and she “didn’t have enough”. She finally called for another technician who drew the blood painlessly in about 30 seconds. Then my doctor said the results were “off” (lab error?) and I needed it done again! 

I have NEVER had this sort of experience in at least five years with this clinic. It has always been fast, efficient and painless. I do not know the person’s name, so I hope you keep records on this because I never want to go through this again. There was never an apology for the needless pain and anxiety/stress this caused.  Is there any way to arrange in advance or at least choose who does my blood draw? 




I assume this clinic wants feedback from patients if they have an incredibly stressful experience like this. If not, then the lab is remiss in providing the best service for patients, and I will have to go elsewhere. This did not need to happen, and I don’t want it to happen to anyone else.

Margaret Gunning