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Arterial blood sample

Overview Risks Results

Arterial stick

Alternative Names: Blood sample - arterial What the risks are: Fainting or feeling light-headed Bruising Excessive bleeding Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken) There is a slight risk of damage to surrounding tissues while the blood is obtained. Specimens are also obtained from lower-risk sites, and techniques are used to minimize tissue damage. Special considerations: Text Continues Below Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. If blood is easier to obtain from a particular location or side, it is helpful to let the person drawing the blood know before starting the test.

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