How to Prepare for a Blood Test
If your physician has ordered a blood test, you might be feeling a bit apprehensive, especially if the process is new to you. There’s no need to worry. Blood testing is very common, and the procedure is usually quick and uneventful. The result can provide valuable information that your physician may use to identify health risk factors, diagnose medical conditions, monitor organ function, evaluate medication effectiveness, or assess blood clotting.
Ensuring a reliable result
You’ll need to prepare for your blood test in order to ensure that the result will be as accurate as possible. Begin by reviewing the lab order provided by your physician. Confirm that your full name, date of birth, and any other personal information is entered clearly and correctly.
Your physician will provide specific instructions about fasting. Depending on the purpose of your blood test, you may need to avoid eating and drinking anything for a certain period of time (typically 8-12 hours beforehand). In most cases, drinking water is permitted – and encouraged – during the fasting period. Your physician will let you know if you should temporarily stop taking your medications (if any) until after your blood sample is collected.
Mental stress can affect your blood pressure, which in turn can interfere with the result of your blood test. If you start to feel anxious during the procedure, try taking some deep breaths and chatting with the medical staff, which may help alleviate your stress.
The process itself
Typically, blood testing involves a venipuncture. A medical professional will gently press on the surface of your arm at the inside bend of your elbow, where large veins are located. He or she will then tie a tourniquet around your upper arm and ask you to make a fist, which will help increase your blood flow and vein size. Once the collection site is identified, the medical professional will clean the area with an alcohol pad, then quickly insert a needle and collect the blood sample.
After your blood sample has been collected, the medical professional will withdraw the needle, cover the collection site with a sterile gauze pad, and ask you to apply pressure to the pad for a few minutes while keeping your arm straight. You may see some minor bruising and swelling after your blood test; these effects are normal and should resolve within a few days.
Under the law, your physician is the only person who is permitted to discuss your blood test results with you. However, you are encouraged to ask the office staff any questions you may have about the testing process and the delivery of your results.
If you have general questions about blood testing, you are welcome to call or visit South Tampa Immediate Care in Tampa, FL, where we perform many routine lab tests on site.
