A couple of times lately my techs have hurt me when pulling the needles out. One time it felt like she lifted up on the needle as she was pulling and I felt a tearing sensation. The other tech is new and she pulled too slowly and that hurt too. What is the right way to pull the needles and how can I tell them without their being offended?

What is the right way to pull the needles and how can I tell them without their being offended?

Cathy, I just came home from training so it is fresh in mind: my company's policy is to pull the needle out in one continuous motion at no more than a 20 degree angle. The instructor said the best way is for the staff person to hold the pad over the site and start applying pressure immediately upon removing the needle. If you had pain or felt tearing, it may be that there was too much pressure on the site during the withdrawal, or maybe too much angle. Ask your clinic's manager what the correct procedure is.