Some tests require fasting. This means no food or drink, other than plain water, for at least 8 hours. Juice, tea, or coffee should not be consumed because the sugars and calories in these beverages may cause inaccurate test results. [3] X Expert Source Matt GarciaPhlebotomist Expert Interview. 9 November 2020. In some cases, the glucose (blood sugar) and serum lipid (cholesterol) tests require fasting, but may not be necessary in other cases. Your doctor may order these tests as random, meaning fasting isn’t needed. [4] X Expert Source Matt GarciaPhlebotomist Expert Interview. 9 November 2020. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) first involves a baseline fasting sample draw. Then, you’ll consume a flavored drink containing a certain amount of glucose, and undergo additional blood draws over a period of several hours. The purpose is to see how fast your body metabolizes glucose and is often part of a pre-diabetes investigation. Make sure you are able to stay in the lab for the whole duration. [5] X Expert Source Matt GarciaPhlebotomist Expert Interview. 9 November 2020. Certain hormone tests such as cortisol, aldosterone, and renin require you to refrain from exercising the day before, lie down for 30 minutes before the test, and refrain from eating or drinking for 1 hour before the test. [6] X Expert Source Matt GarciaPhlebotomist Expert Interview. 9 November 2020. Tests to be done at a specific day or time. For instance, testosterone may be ordered as being drawn in the morning before 10 a. m. , and progesterone should be tested on a specific day of a woman’s menstrual cycle. [7] X Expert Source Matt GarciaPhlebotomist Expert Interview. 9 November 2020. Tests for monitoring certain medications, such as tacrolimus, are ordered as either pre-dose (before the next dose) or post-dose (2 hours after you take the medication). Be prepared to tell the lab staff the date and time of your last dose and the frequency with which you take the medication. [8] X Expert Source Matt GarciaPhlebotomist Expert Interview. 9 November 2020.
Your physician can determine if you should wait 24 to 48 hours to have the blood work done or if what you have taken will not significantly alter the blood test results.
You might be asked to refrain from some of these activities prior to taking a blood test.
Wear warmer than normal clothes for the season when you go in to get your blood drawn. This increases your skin temperature, increases the blood flow to the area, and makes it easier for the phlebotomist (the person who draws your blood)[13] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source to find a good vein.
Mention if you are allergic or sensitive to latex. Latex can be found in gloves, tourniquets, and bandages, and an exposure can be life-threatening in a person with an allergy or sensitivity. It is important to notify both your doctor and the phlebotomist so they can use latex-free equipment. [15] X Research source Let the staff know if you’re taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or apixaban (Eliquis). Since these medications prolong the time it takes your blood to clot, you and/or your phlebotomist will need to hold very firm pressure on the gauze for at least 5 minutes after the procedure to stop the bleeding. [16] X Expert Source Matt GarciaPhlebotomist Expert Interview. 9 November 2020. If you have a history of feeling weak, sick, or faint during or after blood tests, you should definitely disclose this information to the lab staff. Phlebotomy chairs are designed with a sturdy armrest that swings over the lap to prevent fainting patients from falling to the floor. Most labs have beds, so you can ask to have your blood drawn while lying down. [17] X Expert Source Matt GarciaPhlebotomist Expert Interview. 9 November 2020. Don’t be afraid to offer helpful hints if you know you’re a “hard stick” or your veins tend to be hard to find. Phlebotomists have the technical knowledge and skill, but ultimately you know your body more than anyone else. If you know, let the staff know which arm or hand is most likely to cooperate, which vein is easier to find and draw from, or which type of needle tends to be most effective. [18] X Expert Source Matt GarciaPhlebotomist Expert Interview. 9 November 2020.
Knowing how to reduce your stress can help improve your preparation for the test and increase the likelihood that the phlebotomist will find the vein the first time. You could try deep breathing exercises or repeating a calming phrase, such as “This will be over very soon. Plenty of people have blood drawn. I can handle this. " Look at the “Stress Reduction Techniques” section of this article for more tips.
Interestingly, 80% of people with a phobia of needles report that they have a first-degree relative also has a strong fear of needles. It’s possible this fear is partially genetic.
If you know that you are susceptible to pain, ask if EMLA is an option for you. [22] X Research source EMLA is commonly used for children, but it is much less common for use by adults because of how long it takes for the medications to take effect in comparison to the actual duration of the blood draw. [23] X Expert Source Matt GarciaPhlebotomist Expert Interview. 9 November 2020. You can also ask about “Numby Stuff,” a proprietary topical preparation that includes a combination of lidocaine and epinephrine and a mild electrical current to numb an area. It works in about 10 minutes. [24] X Research source
If more tubes are required, the needle remains in place and another tube is put on the end of the needle. Once all the tubes needed for your blood tests are filled, the phlebotomist will remove the needle and put a small gauze over the area. She will ask you to put pressure on the area while they prepare the tubes to go to the laboratory. After the needle is taken out, a bandage or piece of gauze is placed over the puncture site to stop the bleeding. [27] X Expert Source Matt GarciaPhlebotomist Expert Interview. 9 November 2020. The whole process usually takes 5 minutes or less. [28] X Research source If your doctor has requested blood cultures, the procedure for collecting these is slightly different: more time is spent cleaning your arm, different bottles are used, and one poke on each arm is required. [29] X Expert Source Matt GarciaPhlebotomist Expert Interview. 9 November 2020.
What is the worst thing that can happen when they draw my blood? Is what I’m worried about realistic? Can it really happen to me? What is the likelihood that the worst thing will happen?
Peanut butter crackers, a peanut butter sandwich, a handful of almonds or walnuts, or whey protein are all easy to transport and will give you some protein and calories until you can get a meal. If you forgot to bring anything to eat, ask the staff where you have had blood drawn. They may keep cookies or crackers around for just this purpose.
Ask to be notified, even if the results are normal. This will ensure that your results don’t “fall through the cracks” and you aren’t notified if the results are not normal. Call the doctor’s office 36 to 48 hours after the results should have arrived if you are not notified. Ask your doctor’s office if they use an online notification system. You may be given a website to register through so your results can be delivered digitally to you.
If the bruise is painful, wrap some ice in a cloth and hold it against the area for about 10 minutes. [37] X Expert Source Matt GarciaPhlebotomist Expert Interview. 9 November 2020. To help reduce the chance that you’ll get a bruise, hold firm pressure on the gauze for at least 2 minutes after your blood is drawn. [38] X Expert Source Matt GarciaPhlebotomist Expert Interview. 9 November 2020. Hemophilia is the most well-known bleeding disorder, but it is also fairly rare. It comes in two forms - A & B. [39] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common bleeding disorder, and affects how your blood clots. [40] X Research source Patients should let their doctor and phlebotomist know they have a bleeding disorder when they get their blood drawn.
The tourniquet should be in place for no longer than one minute to prevent pooling, also called hemoconcentration. If longer than a minute is needed to locate a choice vein, then the tourniquet should be released and reapplied after two minutes and only immediately before the needle is inserted.
The tube is mixed vigorously after being removed from the needle. Drawing blood from a vein near a hematoma. Using a smaller needle which damages the cells as they are drawn into the tube. Excessive fist clenching during the blood draw. Leaving the tourniquet on for more than one minute.
