Ok but what is the purpose of this technique? Why not just place the needle normally? As a professional in the field, I'm genuinely curious. I've taken blood from patients a million times and even though this could be very accurate with practice, I'm confused about why it is better than just placing the needle because there will always be some risk of missing.
Regular insertion is not slow anyway. Even if it is slower than this, with proper technique, the patient won't feel anything. Edit: before you down vote me, please read this whole comment first and consider reading my other replies as well. I'm not saying it isn't painful for most people. IT ABSOLUTELY IS, but my point is that it SHOULDN'T be. A painless blood draw is possible and unfortunately most people have a negative experience. In a perfect circumstance, it can absolutely be completely painless but people are not perfect all the time and most commonly a slight pinch is felt.The medical community needs to continuously strive to do better, myself included. Edit again: Idk how to explain this any better. Your pain and experience is valid and real. I never said anything to the contrary.
Lab tech here, lab assistant before that. >20 years doing blood draws.
Yes it’s possible to have a blood draw where the patient feels no pain. BUT it’s not on the tech to “do it properly” to feel no pain. Every patient is different and some will not feel anything with a really quick poke while others feel less pain with a slow insertion and pulling the skin tight. Some need both for it to be painless. Some experience pain no matter how it’s done. Without having a history with the patient there is no way for you to know or accommodate it.
So I find your comment regarding “doing it properly” very disingenuous.
Like I've explained in other comments, I meant that there is potential for a stick to be painless and I acknowledge that that won't be the case all the time or for every person. The world is not perfect. I tried to edit my comment to help people be less offended by what I said but obviously I didn't articulate well enough and people are still upset by it. I didn't mean any disrespect and I don't believe in one exact outcome for everyone, but the potential for everyone to have a good experience exists.
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u/Background_Humor5838 Jun 10 '25
Ok but what is the purpose of this technique? Why not just place the needle normally? As a professional in the field, I'm genuinely curious. I've taken blood from patients a million times and even though this could be very accurate with practice, I'm confused about why it is better than just placing the needle because there will always be some risk of missing.