Understanding Lab Test Results & Potential Errors

Question
Recently had blood drawn at the same place I always do and this time I had a nurse who had trouble getting the blood. She bruised both of my arms trying to get the blood out and she only got a tiny bit that she claimed would be enough. When I got my labs back I now have several things flagged as high & low. And am wondering if its because of the small amount of blood drawn Thank you

Answer
Hi Linda.  This is a tricky one!  The answer is yes, and no.  Yes, results of certain tests can be affected from a short sample blood draw.  BUT, I'm sure the lab where you had your bloodwork drawn has a protocol.  This protocol should enable the lab technicians (who do the actual blood testing) to reject any specimen that they deem "unacceptable", such as a short sample.  Lab technicians are highly trained to evaluate a sample's integrity.  Saying this, if your blood sample was too small to test accurately, the technician should have rejected the sample, and you would've gotten a call to come back in for repeat bloodwork.  Also, some slight variations (low and high) are normal, your doctor can interpret that.  If you are still concerned that your results are affected, mention the trouble the nurse had drawing your blood.  If he/she deems it necessary, you could have the bloodwork repeated.

Samantha