Why is a blood test taken from the ring finger?
Each of us has been familiar with an unpleasant but important medical procedure since childhood - taking blood for analysis from a finger. But few people know why blood is taken from the ring finger. Theoretically, this can be done from any part of the body where there are blood vessels. In infants, a blood test is often taken from the heel. However, in an adult, it is the ring finger that is used for this. Why is that?
It turns out that the place for blood sampling was not chosen by chance. There are many reasons why analysis is taken from the finger, and the ring finger. First of all, the skin on this finger is thinner than on others, making it easier to pierce. There are also fewer nerve endings in its pad and the procedure is less painful.
Thanks to thin skin, a puncture on the ring finger heals much faster. There is also less risk of complications. Even if the infection enters the body through this place, it is quickly localized and neutralized by the immune system. The thumb and little finger are much more closely connected to the tissues of the hand. If an infection gets through a wound in one of them, serious inflammation is possible.
It is also important that the ring finger is the “lazy” one. When doing work with your hands, it bears minimal load. This means that it is easier to keep him calm after the test. If the puncture was unsuccessful and the finger hurts, this will not affect the performance of the hand.
Just because you took a blood test from a finger prick does not mean that you will be aware of all laboratory indicators. The doctor's illegible handwriting may well stand between you and their understanding.