Patients with Muscular Dystrophy and other major forms of Muscular Dystrophy
including Duchenne and Spinal Muscular Atrophy often report painful and
traumatic blood collection experiences. Here are some tips to help you prepare
for a collection in order to improve the chances of a successful/pain free collection.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water before your blood draw—being
dehydrated may cause veins to be flatter than normal.
Warm your arm
Warming your arm before the blood draw can help—try
using a heat pack (for example, a wheat bag).
Communicate with phlebotomy staff
Alert the phlebotomist if you have had a previous negative
experience with blood collection. You can request the most
experienced phlebotomist by calling ahead at your nearest
collection centre.
Pathology Queensland collection centres can be found at
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/pathologyqueensland/patients/collection-centres
Use a numbing cream
Numbing creams can be applied 30 minutes prior to
attending for collection.
Consider an alternative stick site
Ask if it’s possible to have blood drawn from another site,
for example, the back of your hand if you know this has
worked better for you in the past.
Which test is most important?
Phlebotomists can communicate with your doctor to prioritise
the most important test(s). A finger prick or skin puncture
collection may be performed if the tests requested can be
performed on low volumes of blood.
Special devices might benefit you
Talk to your doctor about whether you might benefit from
ultrasound assisted blood collection if traditional collection
methods remain ineffective