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Recovery of Blood tests

During or after a blood test you may feel faint. Tell the doctor or nurse who is taking the sample if you feel weak or dizzy. Usually only a small amount of blood is taken so you should not feel ill from loss of blood.

You might have a small bruise in the skin around the needle prick. If you develop redness or swelling, however, you may have an infection, so see your GP for advice.

Occasionally, a larger area of bruising can appear. Bruises are cause by bleeding under the skin. The most common causes of bruising after a blood test are lack of pressure on the site of the jab until the bleeding has stopped, or if the needle damaged the vein or other blood vessels while it was being inserted. Although bruises can be painful, they are usually harmless, but if you frequently get bruises from blood tests you should tell your GP.

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