Bruising and arm pain
Some people get bruising or arm pain after donating. This is usually mild and gets better on its own, but some symptoms need medical advice.
If you develop a bruise after donating, you can follow our bruising advice.
If you develop pain in your arm after donation, you can follow our arm pain advice.
Rest
Allow time for your arm to heal. Avoid heavy lifting, for example at the gym or carrying heavy shopping.
Light gentle movement is recommended. After 36 hours, return to normal activity.
Ice
This is most effective immediately for swelling of the bruise and surrounding area.
You could use a pack of frozen vegetables or an ice pack, but do not place directly onto the skin; use a cloth to act as a barrier to prevent freeze burns.
Compression
Press on the point where the needle was inserted.
Elevation
If possible, elevate your arm on a pillow when resting or sleeping.
Treatment for a bruise is most effective when it is still reddish.
After 36 hours a warm cloth can be applied to the bruise for approximately 10 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
This can increase blood flow to the bruised area allowing the skin to reabsorb the bruise more quickly. Ultimately the bruise will fade in colour.
Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt to donate?
Following needle insertion, you should be comfortable during your donation. If your arm hurts or feels sore while donating, it’s important to inform a member of staff.
Will donating bruise my arm?
Occasionally, bruising of the arm can develop after donation. Bruises are usually harmless and will disappear with time.
A bruise from donation may look quite large, and some people can find this worrying, especially if it is further away from the needle site, but it is normal for bruises to spread out before fading.
If you do develop a bruise, then following our R.I.C.E advice may help.
What if you can't find a suitable vein?
Our staff are trained to assess your veins every time you visit, to make sure they are suitable for donation.
Although you may have had blood taken easily at your doctors or the hospital, we use a larger needle which is in place for longer to collect a full donation. This may mean your veins aren’t suitable for donation and we need to advise you not to become a blood donor or to no longer donate.
This decision is not taken lightly and is made after considering all factors involved. Thank you for giving up your time to come along. You could still support us by encouraging others to donate.
What do I do if my arm starts bleeding after donation?
Occasionally your donation arm can start bleeding again after a plaster has been applied. We call this a rebleed.
If this happens to you don’t worry – just apply pressure to your arm at the needle site for 2 to 3 minutes and elevate your arm, and the bleeding will stop eventually.
If you’ve left the donor centre or donation venue but are still nearby, please do come back in and we will help you stop the bleeding and re-apply a plaster.
If you do have a rebleed, you might be more likely to develop a bruise. If you do, follow our R.I.C.E advice to treat the area.
To avoid a rebleed in the future, avoid lifting anything heavy with your donation arm straight after donating.
Why is my arm painful after donating?
If you feel discomfort in your donation arm, hands or fingers during your donation, it’s important to inform staff of this so we can stop your donation.
Arm pain can sometimes be due to a tendon or nerve injury, which is an uncommon side effect of venepuncture (when a needle is used to take blood from a vein). There is more information about this in our donor consent booklet.
If you have experienced arm pain, avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity. Do not immobilise your arm as this could cause further complications – gentle exercise will help your arm to recover. Staff will provide you with a leaflet with advice on managing your arm pain.
If you experience any of the following, please contact us on 0300 123 23 23, visit your GP or attend a walk-in centre to gain medical assistance as early as possible:
- stiffness, weakness or a dull ache in the arm
- pain that gets significantly worse when you move the affected arm
- severe or worsening pins and needles
- severe or worsening swelling or the development of a lump in the arm
- redness and/or inflammation of the donation arm
- change of skin temperature or colour to your donation arm or hand
Further information
If you are worried or require further information about bruising or arm pain, you can:
- ring our donor helpline on 0300 123 23 23
- call the NHS helpline on 111
- contact your GP