Center for Phlebotomy Education

Syncope Case Studies: Real Failures, Real Consequences

Two recent lawsuits illustrate the deadly cost of ignoring vasovagal syncope during phlebotomy. In Georgia, a medical assistant left a truck driver upright on an exam table despite dizziness, resulting in a broken neck and a $15 million verdict for lifetime care. A second case involved a young man who warned of needle anxiety, yet the phlebotomist drew him sitting up and turned away, leading to brain injury and litigation. The article cites syncope rates of roughly 2.5% for routine draws and highlights similar injuries in vaccination settings, underscoring that the risk is predictable and preventable.