Is this "just wrong" ?

[Old Pete]

Here's my question, then I'll give you the reason why I'm asking. Is it taboo, for someone trained to draw blood(for example a phlebotomist, nurse,and.. oh I'll include doctors too), on himself?

Now the reason I ask is that I was donating blood at a Red Cross blood drive and I had this exchange with a rather flirtatious (and a little loopy) Red Cross Nurse (RCN):

me: I'm staring at my arm as she prepares to insert that 16 gauge needle in my arm.
RCN: So, uh you like to watch?
Me: Yeah, I guess I'm that kinda guy.
RCN: Well, I don't
Me: At least one of us will be watching.
RCN: No, I mean when someone is drawing my blood.
Me: Then, how are you able to draw your own blood?
now here's the kicker..
RCN: Eeew that's just wrooong!

I'll admit this isn't the first time a woman has said that to me, but this time it was totally unexpected. Should I be totally repulsed by the idea of someone performing venipunture on herself? for a valid medical reason of course.

[My Flight Surgeon]

It is not wrong. Most people can't do it but there is not anything wrong with it.

[I_WANNA_BE_ATP]

I've drawn my own blood. No biggy. Had a little problem exchanging the tubes. Now, the reason...the idiot nurse couldn't find my veins!!! Said, "I've been off the weekend" I have great veins, used to make money at the ambulance, letting paramedic students start IV's on me. 3 iv's for 5 bucks, they miss I miss!!!

[Old Pete]

Hey, thanks guys, this website is a wonderful resource. An M.D. and an R.N. both answering my question and at no charge

[Toria]

Technically it is more difficult compared to drawing from another person. I have started IVs on myself a few times to run crystalloids when I had food borne illness. (No sense going to the ER where they may run only a litre when what I really needed was six or seven! )

Not wrong, just different.

[I_Money]

The doctor who delivered me did his own vesectomy.

[MQAAord]

If someone is talented enough to do a draw on themselves, more power to them. I have NO experience in the medical field, but it looks pretty tricky to me!

I've taken knives to my own fingers & hands to dig out splinters, I've used sewing needles to drill holes in my fingernails to release the pressure built up underneath from shutting my hand in the door of my truck. So, having done such 'crazy' things to myself, who would I be to call someone "wrong" for doing a much more "normal" procedure like a blood draw on themself!

[TheShortOne]

i can draw blood on you, but i generally use 2 hands to do it, not just one, so I don't think I'd be coordinated enough to do it on myself!

[Old Pete]

Originally Posted by Toria

Not wrong, just different.

..."different" ....Hmm...I don't think that's listed in the DSM. I'll take it.

[Mike734]

Originally Posted by TheShortOne

i can draw blood on you, but i generally use 2 hands to do it, not just one, so I don't think I'd be coordinated enough to do it on myself!

Seems to me if you can shoot up with one hand, you can draw blood with one hand.

[I_WANNA_BE_ATP]

Originally Posted by Toria

Technically it is more difficult compared to drawing from another person. I have started IVs on myself a few times to run crystalloids when I had food borne illness. (No sense going to the ER where they may run only a litre when what I really needed was six or seven! )

Not wrong, just different.

WOW you doc's do make the benjamins!!! putting gems into ya

[Toria]

Originally Posted by I_WANNA_BE_ATP

WOW you doc's do make the benjamins!!! putting gems into ya

Ya, that 16 was all glammed up with bling.


Or was that just light reflecting off of the clear tape?