Phlebotomists / Doctors - Bleeding more after a blood test question?

I have to have a blood test every 6 months due to my underactive thyroid. I have always been told to tell the Phlebotomist that I am a 'bleeder' and they always apply extra pressure and after about 5 mins it stops, the one time this didn't happen it had bled all down my arm by the time I had walked home. Today however, the Nurse doing my blood test told me that usually people who don't stop bleeding easily after a blood test often have a blood disorder and asked if I bruise easily. I do bruise easily if I whack my leg or arm on something but bruises don't just appear on my body. I am now a little worried, could this be true or is it normal for some people to bleed more than others? I think i've had all the blood tests over the past few years I possibly could have had and nothing ever came up - apart from my underactive thyroid. I'd like to hear from someone in the know!
Answer:

The condition the nurse was talking about is Hemophilia. It means that the blood doesn't clot like it should. You need a specific test to have this show up on a blood test. As soon as I read your question, it was my thought as well. The reason why she asked about bruising is because the blood doesn't clot properly, if you even slightly knock yourself, you bruise. I suggest you speak to your Treating Doctor about this information and arrange a test.

Ellie at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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