Eli5: why does it hurt so much more to draw blood from an artery as opposed to a vein?

Question

Eli5: why does it hurt so much more to draw blood from an artery as opposed to a vein?

In: Biology

Answer 1

There’s a few reasons. The big ones are that arteries are a bit deeper than veins, and there are more nerves nearby.

I’m assuming you’re referring to an ABG, where they drew blood from your wrist. In general that area tends to be sensitive, and even venous blood draws are more painful there than from the area near your elbow.