Serious Concern Regarding Unprofessional, Unsafe Blood Draw, poor technique and poor hygiene on…read more8/20/2026 by Kalinda Smith MA
On Thursday, August 20, I visited Dr. Thomas Avella with my son for our annual physicals. My initial encounter with Medical Assistant Bryan was excellent -- he was friendly, professional, and thorough while obtaining our vitals and medical history.
However, the blood draw performed afterward by Kalinda Smith, MA, was deeply concerning and did not meet basic standards of hygiene, professionalism, or safe phlebotomy technique.
Smith entered the room without introducing herself. When I asked whether she was a nurse or phlebotomist, she stated she was a medical assistant. Immediately afterward, she stepped into the cabinet area and tied her shoelaces. She did not wash her hands before preparing the blood draw equipment and after she tied her shoelaces. As a medical professional myself, I found this extremely unhygienic and unacceptable.
During the blood draw, she inserted the needle into my left arm but did not obtain blood. She repeatedly moved and manipulated the needle inside my vein, causing significant pain. When I told her she was hurting me, she argued and insisted I "did not drink enough water," despite the fact that I told her I did. Eventually the blood began flowing normally.
Additionally, she left the tourniquet on for the entire duration of the blood draw, which increases the risk of hemolysis and is not appropriate technique.
Her communication throughout the encounter was dismissive and unprofessional. When I asked her to confirm whether Dr. Avella had sent my prescription, she responded in an annoyed tone and rushed me to provide a urine sample. I only learned her name from the printed visit summary.
After leaving the practice, my arm became swollen, painful, and later developed bruising, which I have documented in photos. In my entire life, I have never experienced swelling or bruising after a blood draw in any hospital or clinic. This was the worst blood‑draw experience I have ever had, caused by Kalinda Smith's poor technique and poor hygiene. She didn't even deserve one star for her unprofessional behavior.
Crystal Run has always maintained high standards, which is why this experience was so disappointing. If Smith is not yet proficient in blood draws, patients should not be used as test subjects. She requires additional training in phlebotomy technique, hygiene, and patient communication to ensure safety and maintain the quality of care your practice is known for.
For other patients: if you encounter Kalinda Smith, please be careful. Based on my experience, I strongly recommend not letting her draw your blood.
I trust Crystal Run will take this matter seriously and address it promptly.
