Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Blood clots can be serious. If you notice a bump or what may be a swollen artery or vein on your finger or elsewhere, visit a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

The fact that your blood can clot is a good thing because it can stop you from bleeding. But when abnormal blood clots form in a vein or artery, it can create problems. These clots can form anywhere in the body, including your fingers.

Continue reading to explore blood clots in the fingers, why blood clots develop, and if they should be treated.

When you cut a blood vessel, a type of blood cell called platelets race to the scene. They come together at the site of the injury to form a clot and put an end to the bleeding.

As the cut begins to heal, your body slowly dissolves the clot. This is how blood clotting, also known as coagulation, is supposed to work.

Sometimes, blood clots develop inside blood vessels where they aren’t needed. These abnormal blood clots can interfere with blood flow and potentially cause serious problems.

There are several types of blood clots:

• Thrombus (venous thrombus). This blood clot forms in a vein.
• Arterial. This clot forms in an artery.
• Superficial thrombophlebitis. This blood clot develops in a vein just under the skin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This abnormal clot forms in a large, deep vein, typically in an arm or leg.
• Embolus (thromboembolus). This clot breaks off and travels through blood vessels.

Clots can form in any part of the body, including the fingers and underneath the fingernails.

A blood clot can form after a trauma to the finger damages blood vessels or breaks a bone. Examples include:

• a heavy object falling on the fingers, like when you accidentally hit your finger with a hammer
• a crush injury, such as when you get your finger caught in a car door
• surgery to the hand or fingers
• wearing a ring that’s way too small

Problems with blood flow can also lead to clots. Aging can cause problems with blood flow, as can certain conditions, such as:

• diabetes
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• kidney failure

A weakened artery wall can create a bulge called an aneurysm, where a clot can develop. A clot from an aneurysm can break apart and send smaller clots into the bloodstream, where they can reach the fingers.

Two types of blood clots in the finger are:

• Palmar digital vein thrombosis. This blood clot forms on the palm side of the finger, usually near the middle joint.
• Subungual hematoma. This blood clot develops under the fingernail.

A blood clot in the finger is located in a vein under the skin of the finger, likely near a joint. You might notice a bump, but you may not see much more than that.

This differs from a bruise, which is closer to the surface of the skin. A bruise also quickly changes color, first darkening and then getting lighter as it heals and fades away.

If you have a cut on your finger or underneath the fingernail, normal clotting should stop the bleeding. An abnormal clot is inside the vein and can prevent blood from flowing freely.

Signs that you have a blood clot of the finger include:

• one or more firm, blue bumps on the palm side of the finger
• pain, tenderness, or warmth
• redness or other color changes to the finger
• finger that feels cold to the touch

A blood clot under the fingernail can be mildly to severely painful.

If you suspect you have a blood clot in your finger, see your doctor. They’ll be able to tell the difference between a bruise and a clot and give you recommendations for treating your injury.

A blood clot in the finger can be small and may go away without treatment. It could be a one-time issue caused by trauma to the finger. But if there’s a medical condition that’s causing abnormal clotting, you’ll want to know.

It’s worth noting that the hands have small blood vessels to begin with, so even a small clot can interfere with blood flow. That can lead to redness, swelling, pain, or even the formation of more clots.

Poor blood flow means there’s not enough oxygen to nourish nearby tissue, which can result in tissue death.

Blood clots can also break off and travel through your bloodstream and reach vital organs. This can lead to:

• pulmonary embolism, an abnormal clot that blocks the flow of blood in your lung
• heart attack
• stroke

These are life-threatening medical emergencies.

Factors that can raise the risk of blood clots in general include:

• being over age 40
• being overweight
• cancer
• chemotherapy
• genetic predisposition
• hormone therapy or hormonal birth control pills
• long periods of inactivity
• pregnancy
• smoking

Although some blood clots in the fingers resolve on their own without treatment, it’s still a good idea to see your doctor. This can help prevent permanent damage to your finger. It can also prevent more serious consequences of blood clots that break apart and enter the bloodstream.

A blood clot underneath your fingernail can result in the nail falling off. To prevent this and to relieve pain, your doctor can cut a tiny hole in the nail to release the pressure.

Talk to your doctor about what you can do at home to relieve pain and pressure. This may include:

• massaging the lesion
• applying hot compresses
• using compression bandages

In some cases, a blood clot can be surgically removed from the finger.

If you’re prone to developing blood clots, your doctor may prescribe a blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant). These medications can prevent more clots from forming. Any other underlying conditions that can increase the risk of clotting should also be addressed.

Seek a medical opinion if your hand or finger shows these signs and symptoms:

• the skin is split open and may need to be stitched
• there’s a lot of swelling
• you have increasing pain
• the fingernail is falling off or the base is popping out from under the skin
• you have a wound that you can’t get completely clean
• you can’t move your fingers normally
• your fingers are an abnormal color

If you have an injury to your fingers, testing may include:

• physical examination to assess your skin
• X-ray, MRI, or other imaging test to look for fractured bones and other internal damage
• ultrasound or other testing to check blood flow in arteries and veins
• artery pressure and pulse recordings

If you didn’t have an injury, your doctor will probably want to learn the cause of your blood clot. Diagnostic testing may include:

• blood count
• blood coagulation test
• blood chemistries

While it may not always require medical treatment, blood clots can have serious consequences. If you suspect you have a blood clot on your finger or anywhere else, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Blood clots can be serious. If you notice a bump or what may be a swollen artery or vein on your finger or elsewhere, visit a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

The fact that your blood can clot is a good thing because it can stop you from bleeding. But when abnormal blood clots form in a vein or artery, it can create problems. These clots can form anywhere in the body, including your fingers.

Continue reading to explore blood clots in the fingers, why blood clots develop, and if they should be treated.

When you cut a blood vessel, a type of blood cell called platelets race to the scene. They come together at the site of the injury to form a clot and put an end to the bleeding.

As the cut begins to heal, your body slowly dissolves the clot. This is how blood clotting, also known as coagulation, is supposed to work.

Sometimes, blood clots develop inside blood vessels where they aren’t needed. These abnormal blood clots can interfere with blood flow and potentially cause serious problems.

There are several types of blood clots:

• Thrombus (venous thrombus). This blood clot forms in a vein.
• Arterial. This clot forms in an artery.
• Superficial thrombophlebitis. This blood clot develops in a vein just under the skin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This abnormal clot forms in a large, deep vein, typically in an arm or leg.
• Embolus (thromboembolus). This clot breaks off and travels through blood vessels.

Clots can form in any part of the body, including the fingers and underneath the fingernails.

A blood clot can form after a trauma to the finger damages blood vessels or breaks a bone. Examples include:

• a heavy object falling on the fingers, like when you accidentally hit your finger with a hammer
• a crush injury, such as when you get your finger caught in a car door
• surgery to the hand or fingers
• wearing a ring that’s way too small

Problems with blood flow can also lead to clots. Aging can cause problems with blood flow, as can certain conditions, such as:

• diabetes
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• kidney failure

A weakened artery wall can create a bulge called an aneurysm, where a clot can develop. A clot from an aneurysm can break apart and send smaller clots into the bloodstream, where they can reach the fingers.

Two types of blood clots in the finger are:

• Palmar digital vein thrombosis. This blood clot forms on the palm side of the finger, usually near the middle joint.
• Subungual hematoma. This blood clot develops under the fingernail.

A blood clot in the finger is located in a vein under the skin of the finger, likely near a joint. You might notice a bump, but you may not see much more than that.

This differs from a bruise, which is closer to the surface of the skin. A bruise also quickly changes color, first darkening and then getting lighter as it heals and fades away.

If you have a cut on your finger or underneath the fingernail, normal clotting should stop the bleeding. An abnormal clot is inside the vein and can prevent blood from flowing freely.

Signs that you have a blood clot of the finger include:

• one or more firm, blue bumps on the palm side of the finger
• pain, tenderness, or warmth
• redness or other color changes to the finger
• finger that feels cold to the touch

A blood clot under the fingernail can be mildly to severely painful.

If you suspect you have a blood clot in your finger, see your doctor. They’ll be able to tell the difference between a bruise and a clot and give you recommendations for treating your injury.

A blood clot in the finger can be small and may go away without treatment. It could be a one-time issue caused by trauma to the finger. But if there’s a medical condition that’s causing abnormal clotting, you’ll want to know.

It’s worth noting that the hands have small blood vessels to begin with, so even a small clot can interfere with blood flow. That can lead to redness, swelling, pain, or even the formation of more clots.

Poor blood flow means there’s not enough oxygen to nourish nearby tissue, which can result in tissue death.

Blood clots can also break off and travel through your bloodstream and reach vital organs. This can lead to:

• pulmonary embolism, an abnormal clot that blocks the flow of blood in your lung
• heart attack
• stroke

These are life-threatening medical emergencies.

Factors that can raise the risk of blood clots in general include:

• being over age 40
• being overweight
• cancer
• chemotherapy
• genetic predisposition
• hormone therapy or hormonal birth control pills
• long periods of inactivity
• pregnancy
• smoking

Although some blood clots in the fingers resolve on their own without treatment, it’s still a good idea to see your doctor. This can help prevent permanent damage to your finger. It can also prevent more serious consequences of blood clots that break apart and enter the bloodstream.

A blood clot underneath your fingernail can result in the nail falling off. To prevent this and to relieve pain, your doctor can cut a tiny hole in the nail to release the pressure.

Talk to your doctor about what you can do at home to relieve pain and pressure. This may include:

• massaging the lesion
• applying hot compresses
• using compression bandages

In some cases, a blood clot can be surgically removed from the finger.

If you’re prone to developing blood clots, your doctor may prescribe a blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant). These medications can prevent more clots from forming. Any other underlying conditions that can increase the risk of clotting should also be addressed.

Seek a medical opinion if your hand or finger shows these signs and symptoms:

• the skin is split open and may need to be stitched
• there’s a lot of swelling
• you have increasing pain
• the fingernail is falling off or the base is popping out from under the skin
• you have a wound that you can’t get completely clean
• you can’t move your fingers normally
• your fingers are an abnormal color

If you have an injury to your fingers, testing may include:

• physical examination to assess your skin
• X-ray, MRI, or other imaging test to look for fractured bones and other internal damage
• ultrasound or other testing to check blood flow in arteries and veins
• artery pressure and pulse recordings

If you didn’t have an injury, your doctor will probably want to learn the cause of your blood clot. Diagnostic testing may include:

• blood count
• blood coagulation test
• blood chemistries

While it may not always require medical treatment, blood clots can have serious consequences. If you suspect you have a blood clot on your finger or anywhere else, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

basic rules for preparing for a complete blood test from a finger

Blood from a finger is taken to perform a complete blood test (CBC), which is also called clinical. The analysis allows you to evaluate the quantitative composition of blood cells, and is also used to quickly determine the level of glucose and cholesterol. CBC is a simple and fast laboratory diagnostic procedure. It is appointed in the following cases:

• preventive examinations (all adults are recommended to donate blood from a finger once a year), obtaining certificates for admission to a kindergarten, school, sports sections, commission when applying for a job;
• examination before hospitalization, operation, examination and observation of women registered for pregnancy;
• assessment of the state of the body before vaccination;
• initial diagnosis of various diseases, including those that are asymptomatic;
• diagnosis and treatment of acute diseases;
• to monitor the condition of patients during treatment;
• routine examination of people with chronic diseases.

In the study of capillary blood, which is taken from a finger, the number of blood cells is determined – erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, leukocyte formula (percentage of various forms of leukocytes), hemoglobin, glucose, cholesterol, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Deviation from the norm indicates pathological conditions: for example, a reduced number of erythrocytes indicates anemia, an increased percentage of leukocytes and an accelerated ESR indicate inflammation, eosinophils indicate allergic reactions, helminthic invasions. However, these conditions are not diagnoses – they can be present in various diseases. Only a doctor should interpret the result of the analysis, make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

How to properly donate blood from a finger

There are general rules for donating blood from a finger that must be followed in order for the CBC result to be reliable: hours.

Two days before the procedure, fatty and fried foods, smoked meats, and alcohol should be excluded from the menu.

Blood is usually taken from the ring finger of the left hand. If it has bruises, wounds, thermal damage (burns, frostbite), swelling, cyanosis, blood is taken from any other finger. Hands must be warm. If the hands are cold, or the patient has low blood pressure, the blood will not stand out well. In such cases, it is recommended to hold your hand for some time under warm water or wrap it in a heated towel before analysis, gently massage your finger before puncture.

After blood sampling, the fingertip is treated with an antiseptic solution and a sterile cotton swab is applied to it until the bleeding stops completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between blood from a finger and from a vein?

There are no fundamental differences between capillary and venous blood. Therefore, for a general blood test, it is possible to take the biomaterial both from a finger and from a vein. However, intercellular fluid is present in capillary blood, which can lead to the formation of microclots. In addition, the volume of fingerstick blood is insufficient for several tests, and capillary blood is not suitable for many tests. Therefore, blood from a finger is usually taken when it is required to quickly conduct an analysis with a small number of indicators – professional examinations, express diagnostics. If the patient, in addition to the KLA, requires other studies (biochemical analysis, tests for infections, hormones), venous blood is taken and it is also used for general analysis.

Why is capillary blood taken for analysis from the ring finger?

The ring finger of the left hand takes part in movements and work with the hands less than the other fingers, so the puncture on it will heal faster. Also, due to the small load on this finger, the skin on it is thinner than on the others, so the puncture will be less painful. There is another reason – the inner shells of the little finger and thumb are directly connected to the inner shells of the hand, so if an infection enters, there is a risk that it will spread to the entire hand. The shells of the ring, middle and index fingers are isolated, which minimizes the risk of infection. Blood is not taken from the middle and index fingers, as they are much more actively involved in daily activities and stress on the hands. For lefties, blood is taken from the ring finger of the right hand.

Is it necessary to donate blood from a finger on an empty stomach?

Yes, this is a prerequisite for a correct analysis result. One of the reasons is that after eating, the number of leukocytes in the blood increases. This is a natural process, but in the results of the analysis, an increase in the number of leukocytes can be misinterpreted. In addition, the sugar contained in food causes an increase in glucose levels, and fatty foods provoke clouding of the blood serum, which makes diagnosis difficult.

Can I smoke before donating blood from a finger?

It is strictly not recommended to smoke before the KLA. The substances that make up nicotine and tobacco tar change the cellular composition of the blood, affect the content of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and glucose. This applies not only to ordinary cigarettes and cigarettes, but also to electronic devices.

When is the best time to donate blood from a finger?

Capillary blood is taken for analysis usually from 7 am to 10-11 am. This is due to the fact that the analysis must be taken on an empty stomach, and the fasting period is easier to endure at night. In case of emergency, when a patient is admitted to a hospital, after operations, blood is taken from a finger at any time of the day.

When can’t donate blood from a finger?

There are no strict contraindications to donating blood from a finger. Women are not recommended to do an analysis during menstruation, as blood counts change at this time. Extensive injuries, injuries, for example, burns of both hands, as well as an unstable mental state of the patient, can become an obstacle to taking blood from a finger.

What should I do if the blood from the finger does not stop after the test?

Most often this situation occurs in patients with bleeding disorders. Also, this can lead to hypertension, strong excitement before taking the test. The person needs to calm down, press a sterile swab tightly against the puncture, raise his hand up. The swab should be pressed down, but not rubbed or massaged with the ball of the finger, as this interferes with the formation of a blood clot. You can fix the tampon on your finger with adhesive tape.

Material checked by an expert

Doctor of laboratory diagnostics of the highest category
Atrashkova Darya Vladimirovna

Sources

1. GOST R 59778-2021 Procedures for taking samples of venous and capillary blood for laboratory research.
2. Guder V. Diagnostic tests: from the patient to the laboratory. Influence of preanalytical factors on the quality of laboratory research results / V. Guder [et al.], trans. from English. V.V. Menshikov. – 2010.
3. Korobeynikova N.Yu. Preparation for laboratory research / N.Yu. Korobeynikova // Nurse. – 2018. – No. 3. – P. 15-17.
4. Noskina N.A. Recommendations for taking blood from newborns / N.A. Noskina // Difficult patient. – 2015. – No. 1-2. – S. 60-62.
5. What does a drop of blood tell about? // Nurse. – 2015. – No. 1. – S. 53-54.

Capillary blood collection – SYNLAB Eesti

See Necessary equipment for taking capillary blood

Preparing the patient for blood donation

• Preparation may vary depending on the test., For each specific test, if necessary, information can be obtained from the laboratory.
• Blood sampling takes place in the morning before 12.00, preferably between 8.00-10.00.
• Patient must be awake for at least 1 hour prior to blood collection.
• On the day before the test, the patient can drink and eat as usual, but limit the use of alcohol, coffee and fatty foods.
• At least 10-14 hours should elapse between the last meal and fluid intake and blood sampling. If necessary, you can drink no more than one glass of water without any additives.
• Before drawing blood, avoid:
  • Great physical and emotional stress
  • Taking medications (if possible)
  • Alcohol use
  • Smoking
• To stabilize blood circulation, sit quietly for at least 15 minutes before taking blood.
• During blood sampling, the patient should not drink, eat, chew gum (the mouth must be empty).

Important to know

• Capillary blood is stored much worse than venous blood, so you should especially carefully observe the storage conditions of the material according to a particular study.
• Amount of material required:
  • EDTA and ESR per amount of blood: 1 full capillary
  • The amount of serum depends on the ordered analysis, not less than 2⁄3 of the microtube volume. If necessary, blood can be taken in 2-3 microtubes
• The capillary does not contain an anticoagulant and therefore blood may clot. To avoid clotting, fill the capillary with blood and place the blood into a microtube to mix the blood with the anticoagulant as soon as possible.
• As a rule, the soft part of the distal phalanx of the fourth finger of the left hand is punctured. You can also puncture the soft part of the distal phalanx of the third finger of the same hand, similar fingers of the right hand. In children under 3 months, the outer lateral surface of the heel is punctured

Capillary Blood Collection Procedure

• Identify the patient.
• Issue/verify referrals.
• Find out if the patient followed the prescribed diet and if they are allergic to substances contained in the disinfectant for cleansing the skin at the puncture site.
• Position the patient in a comfortable and suitable position for drawing blood and check that the patient’s hands are warm. If necessary, warm them in warm water or near a radiator.
• Wear gloves.
• Prepare the necessary tools for work.
• Select puncture site.
• Clean the intended puncture site with a disinfectant and allow the skin to dry.
• Fix the patient’s hand and finger to be punctured; squeeze the soft part of the distal phalanx until a slight edema occurs and the end of the finger becomes dark red (see Figure 4a).
• Puncture the skin slightly lateral to the central axis of the finger (Figure 4b).
• The first drop of blood is removed with a dry cleansing wipe.
• Completely fill the capillary with blood. In order to avoid the appearance of air in the microtube, keep the microtube in a horizontal position during blood sampling (Figure 4c).
• To obtain a sufficient amount of blood, keep the capillary and tube in a horizontal position for better flow of blood from the capillary to the tube
• If all the tubes are filled with blood, then place a napkin moistened with a disinfectant solution on the puncture site and squeeze for 3-5 minutes.