What causes me to faint and get cold sweat when about to get blood drawn ?

5 Comments

1. Meme says:

   January 13, 2012 at 12:34 am

   Because you do not have good coping skills and cannot accept that this is a temporary thing that will not last forever. Relax.
2. Peggy says:

   January 13, 2012 at 12:34 am

   That is your autonomic system working in reaction to your deep down fear or loathing of getting blood drawn or the sight of blood or perhaps needles. I know someone who can’t even stand the smell! Speak to the lab technician next time before you have the blood drawn. They have great techniques to help you avoid this natural reaction.
3. RN851 says:

   January 13, 2012 at 12:34 am

   Hello Whitney – these symptoms are caused by an overactive autonomic nervous system which is being driven by your distaste for this test. I used to have this problem and it generally goes away when you are "desensitized" to the procedure. Desensitization occurs as you are repeatedly exposed to the noxious stimulus, in this case needles or the sight of blood. Let your technician know that you have this problem and they will probably have you lie down while the blood is drawn. Lying down serves two purposes…it increases blood flow to the brain making it less likely that you will faint. It also prevents you from being hurt by falling. While you are having your blood drawn make sure that you are continuing to breathe. Studies have shown that these types of responses are often made worse by the unconscious holding of ones breath. Good luck and do your best to just go with the flow. Once you accept that these tests are not dangerous or painful you will do better with them Good Luck!
4. John W says:

   January 13, 2012 at 12:34 am

   It’s the vasovagal response. Basically anxiety.
5. Shaz says:

   January 13, 2012 at 12:34 am

   You are extremely nervous about having your blood drawn. Don’t look