What To Expect With Blood Tests
What To Expect Before Blood Tests
Many blood tests dont require any special
preparation and take only a few minutes.
Other blood tests require fasting (not eating any
food) anywhere from 8 to 12 hours before the test. Your doctor will let you
know whether you need to fast for your blood test(s).
What To Expect During Blood Tests
Blood usually is drawn from a vein in your arm or
other part of your body using a thin needle. It also can be drawn using a
finger prick.
The person who draws your blood might tie a band
around the upper part of your arm or ask you to make a fist. These things can
make the veins in your arm stick out more. This makes it easier to insert the
needle.
The needle that goes into your vein is attached to a
small test tube. The person who draws your blood removes the tube when it's
full, and the tube seals on its own. The needle is then removed from your vein.
If you're getting a few different blood tests, more than one test tube may be
attached to the needle before its withdrawn.
Some people get nervous about blood tests because
theyre afraid of the needle. Others may not want to see blood leaving
their bodies.
If youre nervous or scared, it can help to
look away or talk to someone to distract yourself. You might feel a slight
sting when the needle goes in or comes out.
Drawing blood usually takes less than 3 minutes.
What To Expect After Blood Tests
Once the needle is withdrawn, youll be asked
to apply gentle pressure with a piece of gauze or bandage to the place where
the needle went in. This helps stop bleeding. It also helps prevent swelling
and bruising.
After a minute or two, you can remove the pressure.
You may want to keep a bandage on for a few hours.
Usually, you dont need to do anything else
after a blood test, except wait for the results. They can take anywhere from a
few minutes to a few weeks to come back. Your doctor should get the results.
Its important that you follow up with your doctor to discuss your test
results. |