Bruise from giving blood
 

Just under a week ago, I gave blood at my university. I had done it before with no drama but they had previously used my left arm and due to me being silly a few days before, I asked them to use my right arm. They had a hard time finding a suitable vein but eventually did and they told me that it was quite a narrow vein but it shouldn't be a problem - it would just take longer.

After they were done, I followed all their instructions but I've developed a largish bruise where they took blood. I sometimes bruise quite easily and a smallish bruise is to be expected but nearly a week on it's about 12cm x 4.5cm and although it's greeny/grey, there are darker purple patches in it. Is this just to be expected and nothing to be worried about of should I get it checked out?

It doesn't hurt overly. it just looks quite spectacular for something that I didn't think would cause significant bruising.

Sometimes people do get a big bruise from blood being taken,so i would say leave it as few days and see if it calms down,if it doesnt then id suggest getting it seen to,but i wouldnt worry too much :) xx

Yeah this can happen sometimes, its related to the blood vessels undergoing trauma under the skin.
To help it fade, you might find it useful to apply some ice to the area for about 10 mins every hour or so. This can help with the coloring. There are also bruise creams around which might be useful to use on the area.

A towel which is damp with cold water might also do the same trick.

I seem to bruise everytime i have a blood test these days, even when it doesn't really hurt during the test. They usually last for a couple of days then begin to fade.

try not to worry hunny it will go down.
before xmas i had a drip and omg the bruises were so bad, they covered nearly both my arms but they did go after about two weeks.
i found having a warm bath helped.

i had a bruise from a blood test that lasted over a week and a bit. but it was becuase she didn't find somewhere suitable to take blood from. and it took several attempts. they do fade after a while. you can buy creams over the counter of the bruise alarms you, or like bitter angel suggested, the cold compress.

take care

that sounds exactly like my arm.... I donated blood last week and have a big bruise on my arm..... It should be ok. It's probably just that the blood vessel bleed out into your arm....if that makes any sense....