What is a blown vein?

A blown vein can be caused by a needle insertion into the vein. Sometimes it can be caused by trauma to the vein without actually puncturing it. If I were to insert a needle into your arm to start an IV, I will pierce the skin and hopefully end up in your vein. However, if I aim too deep on accident or in an attempt to catch a rolling vein, I may pierce through the other side of the vein causing the blood to leak out thus making the vein unusable. I can also try to draw blood through the needle then "flush" it with normal saline and cause the vein to blow even though the IV was a good stick. Blown veins are visible by swelling, redness, bruising, etc. The initial appearance is an enlargement of the vein. It is very important to keep a lot of pressure on the vein after pulling out of the needle to reduce these symptoms! Pressure will keep the blood from spreading beneath the skin. Also try to apply icepacks to reduce inflammation.

First answer by ID3479996655. Last edit by ChristineEHarris. Contributor trust: 11 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 6 [recommend question]