How The Test Will Feel Puncture of the artery may be somewhat more uncomfortable than puncture of a vein, and requires firm pressure over the site after it is drawn. When the needle is inserted, most people feel moderate discomfort or pain. Afterward, there may be some throbbing . The arterial stick is more painful than venipuncture because arteries are deeper than veins, have thicker walls, and have more nerves. How To Prepare For The Test Preparation varies with the specific test performed.
Normal Values See specific tests, particularly the arterial blood gas test.
Special Considerations 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. An arterial stick is performed to obtain arterial blood samples. However, arterial sticks may occasionally be performed to obtain blood culture or serum chemistry samples.