YNHH Blood Drawing Station

"Although I have clinical needle phobia and medical trauma, never in my life have I had a more traumatic and painful blood work experience. Blood draws have always been easier for me than vaccines, but it’s the opposite now. The first phlebotomist missed my vein, and I began to feel tingling in my face, and felt very faint. I said I wanted to leave and come back tomorrow but the second person called me back, acting as if my fear was an inconvenience to her day. She had me lay down while I was still light headed and shaking. She then proceeded to try again several times in both my arms, during which I was crying and begging her to stop. I voiced that I felt like I wasn’t being listened to and was told I was MAKING myself upset, when in reality she was digging around inside my wrist looking for a vein when all phlebotomists know to bevel up, anchor vein, and go straight in. Don’t put people through this, especially if they’re begging to stop and voiced ahead of time that they have medical trauma. Getting the blood isn’t worth giving someone PTSD. I’m extremely traumatized and will need therapy. I’ll probably even want to skip future blood draws because of this experience. It’s been over 40 hours and my wrists and arms are so sore."

"I have a lot of anxiety around blood draws due to the fact that I often will get lightheaded/pass out when getting them. Hamden has a place in each blood draw room for patients to lie down in if necessary. Both staff at check-in and in the back were amazing and understanding when I told them I needed to lie down - no questions were asked. Jasmine was the one who did my blood draw and she was so quick and efficient. Would recommend for anyone!"

"I fainted while getting blood drawn and the staff were great at making sure I was ok and handled it all very well and professionally"

"I have used this lab for years. They are efficient, helpful and personable. The waiting area is large, comfortable, attractively decorated and the TV is not too loud. Large parking lot. Technicians are efficient. You are in and out in a very reasonable time. I always double check by calling the day before I plan to have my blood drawn to find out if my doctor's request is there just to be sure I haven't fasted in vain."

"Go here to get your blood drawn. No appointment needed, generally quick. Most times I waited for a max of 15 minutes. Staff is friendly and helpful."