Any restriction of blood flow can cause clotting. Here are some tips to help keep blood flowing without restriction:

• Avoid tight clothing or jewelry that could put pressure on your access area
• Do not carry bags, purses or any type of heavy item over your access area
• Don’t let anyone put a blood pressure cuff on your access arm — have your blood pressure taken from your non-access arm
• Request that blood being drawn is taken from your non-access arm
• Don’t sleep with your access arm under your head or pillow
• Check the pulse in your access daily