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Lately, I’ve been dealing with chronic health issues, from joint pain, to nausea, to gastrointestinal problems. I’ve known something was wrong with me for years. I’ve been to countless doctors, in-and-out of emergency rooms, and to tons of specialists. My last labs were all ‘normal’.  I haven’t felt ‘normal’ in weeks, probably months.  I’m really tired of constantly feeling like something’s not right, like I’m about to throw up at any second, like my body isn’t working correctly.  What is wrong with me?  Won’t someone tell me?  I’ve been on hold with my doctor’s office for 22 minutes, trying to make an appointment.  I’m so tired of being sick and tired. 

I've been a practicing phlebotomist for seven years, and over my years of experience, I've also made lots of mistakes. This post is meant for those looking for phlebotomy tips, those learning phlebotomy, or those looking to troubleshoot a blood draw. “Oh no, no blood!”  Anchor: To anchor, you want to use your thumb to pull the skin and subcutaneous tissue downwards and taught. This helps the needle puncture the skin with less force and therefore less pain for the patient. Anchoring is the number 1 way to avoid “rolling veins”. Feel The goal is to locate the vein in relation to your needle. Use the hand not holding the needle to palpate over the vein. I always recommend training both hands to feel for veins, which can be beneficial in situations like this.  Remember that veins should ideally feel bouncy. Hard and dense structures may be tendons. Subcutaneous tissue feels squishy and muscle feels hard. If a vein feels hard, it may be scarred or sclerosed.  Reposition There are s