What is a Bubble of Blood Called?
A bubble of blood can be called several things, depending on its location and cause.
-
Blood blister: This is a raised pocket of skin filled with blood, often resulting from injury. They may appear red, purple, or black. [Reference: Cleveland Clinic] Blood blisters form when you injure yourself, such as pinching your finger. [Reference: Unknown source from May 12, 2022]
-
Hematoma: A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels. This can occur from injuries like bruises or internal bleeding. While not always a "bubble," it's a localized collection that can sometimes appear raised.
-
Air embolism (with blood): An air embolism is a bubble of air in a blood vessel. While primarily air, blood may be present as well. This is a serious medical condition. [Reference: Healthline, Medical News Today]
-
Bubble in a medical procedure (e.g., echocardiogram): In a procedure called a "bubble study," a saline solution is injected into a vein. This allows doctors to see blood flow in the heart using an echocardiogram. [Reference: Harvard Health, Mayo Clinic] This isn't a naturally occurring blood bubble, but it's referred to as a bubble in this context.
-
Blood within an aneurysm: An aneurysm is a bulge or swelling in a blood vessel. A rupture can cause bleeding, but sometimes the blood remains within the weakened vessel wall, creating a blood-filled bulge. [Reference: NIH News in Health, WebMD]
-
Blood in the eye (during vitrectomy): During a vitrectomy, a procedure to remove vitreous gel from the eye, blood and debris can sometimes accumulate, blocking light entry. While not specifically called a bubble, the term may be used informally to describe blood collection in this context. [Reference: Johns Hopkins Medicine]
Determining the Correct Term
The most appropriate term for a "bubble of blood" depends heavily on the context. For a small, superficial collection under the skin, "blood blister" is likely the correct term. For larger collections or those within blood vessels, the terms hematoma or air embolism (if air is involved) might be more accurate. The context is crucial for proper terminology.
