How to Prepare for a Blood Test

Health professionals order blood tests for a variety of reasons. From monitoring drug levels to evaluating results to diagnosing diseases, blood tests can be an essential part of your health plan. In particular, blood tests are carried out to evaluate the function of some organs such as liver or kidneys, diagnose diseases, identify risk factors, check current medications and evaluate blood clotting ability. . ^{[1] X Trusted Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Go to source Depending on the} type of test requested, you will need to have your blood drawn at the clinic or at another lab in the area. Here are some things you can do to prepare, both physically and mentally, for the blood test.

Table of Contents

Prepare for a physical blood test

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9f/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare- for-a-Blood-Test-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9f/Prepare-for-a-Blood- Test-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Talk to your doctor. You need to know the specific type of test your doctor orders. Some tests require special preparation to get accurate results, the most common of which include:

The glucose tolerance test requires fasting before coming to the laboratory. You will also need to stay in the lab and have your blood drawn every 30 – 60 minutes. This time can be up to 5 hours.
The fasting blood glucose test is done when you fast and drink nothing but water for 8 to 12 hours. This test is usually done in the morning so you don’t have to fast all day.
The serum lipid test, also known as the chpesterp test, sometimes requires you to fast for 9 to 12 hours before the blood draw. ^{[2] X Research Source}
Blood Cortisp biochemical tests require stopping exercise the day before, lying down for 30 minutes and fasting for 1 hour before the test. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/93/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare- for-a-Blood-Test-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/93/Prepare-for-a-Blood- Test-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Discuss medications you are taking. Some substances can interfere with blood tests and therefore you may need to stop taking them before the test. Depending on the purpose of the test, prescription drugs, recreational drugs, alcohol intake, vitamins, blood thinners, or over-the-counter medications may alter the results obtained. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Your doctor will decide whether you should wait 24 – 48 hours before the procedure or if the medication you take will not significantly affect the test results.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/af/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare- for-a-Blood-Test-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/af/Prepare-for-a-Blood- Test-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Stop some activities. Depending on your activity, some tests may not maintain accuracy. They can be affected by intense physical activity or exercise performed nearby, dehydration, smoking, drinking herbal teas or sexual activity.

You may be asked to stop some of these activities before having a blood test. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7f/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare- for-a-Blood-Test-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7f/Prepare-for-a-Blood- Test-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Please consult your doctor. Many tests do not require special preparation before blood is drawn. However, if in doubt, ask. In the event that the doctor does not give any special instructions, it is important to ask proactively to minimize the risk of being inadequately prepared when conducting the test. ^{[6] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/ef/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare- for-a-Blood-Test-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/ef/Prepare-for-a-Blood- Test-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Drink enough water. Enough water makes it easier to draw blood. Veins are larger and easier to find, the blood is not thick and, therefore, moves more easily into the tube. If you also need to fast, make sure to stay hydrated the day before.

This means that you will need to get out of bed, go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. However, actually enough water will make the blood test easier. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/fa/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-6.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/fa/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-6.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Keep the blood collection area warm. Before getting ready to draw blood, warm the blood collection point. Cover the area with warm compresses for 10 to 15 minutes to increase blood circulation to the area.

Wear warmer than usual clothes when entering the blood collection. It increases skin temperature, circulates blood to the site of blood collection, and makes it easier to find veins. ^{[8] X Trusted Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics Go to Source}^{[9] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5c/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-7.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-7.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5c/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-7.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-7.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Talk to the staff member taking the blood sample. If you deviate from the instructions to prepare before drawing blood, you need to notify the blood sample collection staff as soon as you arrive. If the error is large enough to affect the test results, you may have to return for another day. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Please notify if you are allergic or sensitive to latex. Latex is found in many gloves and bandages – used when drawing blood. Some people are allergic or sensitive to latex and they can be life-threatening. If you know you have allergies or sensitivities, you should inform your doctor and the blood collection staff so that you can use the latex-free device. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Mentally prepare for the blood test

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5b/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-8.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-8.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5b/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-8.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-8.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Stabilize your stress. A blood test can make you extremely stressed or anxious. Unfortunately, that increases blood pressure, constricts the veins, and makes it more difficult to draw blood. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Knowing how to reduce stress can improve standardization and increase the staff’s first chance of finding a vein.
You can try deep breathing exercises or repeat reassuring words like, “This will be over soon. A lot of people have had blood drawn. Me too.” Refer to the “Stress Reduction Techniques” section of this article for more in-depth instructions.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5a/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-9.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-9.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5a/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-9.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-9.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Acknowledge your fears. Before you see your doctor, admit that you may be nervous about having your blood drawn. You may also be afraid of needles. Between 3 and 10 percent of the population is afraid of needles (neurophobia) or needles (phobia of needles or needles). ^{[13] X Research Source}

Interestingly, 80% of people who are afraid of needles have family members (parents, siblings, children) who are also obsessed with needles. It is possible that this phobia is partly hereditary.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/51/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-10.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-10.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/51/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-10.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-10.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Ask about EMLA. If you’ve had blood drawn and know it’s especially painful for you, ask your doctor about using EMLA. This is a local anesthetic that is applied to the blood collection site 45 minutes to 2 hours before the procedure.

If you are prone to pain, ask if EMLA is the solution for you. ^{[14] X Research Source}
EMLA is widely used in children, but it is rarely used in adults because it takes a long time to take effect. ^{[15] X Research Source}
You can also ask about “Numby Stuff,” a combination of lidocaine, epinephrine, and mild current for anesthesia. It takes effect in about 10 minutes. ^{[16] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/fe/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-11.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/fe/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-11.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-11.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Understand how the process begins. To be better mentally prepared for a blood draw, you need to understand the process. The staff member will wear a rubber band around your arm, above your elbow, and ask you to make a fist. With a routine blood test, blood is usually drawn from a vein in your hand or drawn from a finger.

The rubber band increases blood flow in the arm area because at this point, blood can travel down the hand through a deep-seated artery, but only less is able to exit. Thereby, increasing the size of the vein, making it easier to find and draw blood. ^{[17] X Trusted Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Go to Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/51/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-12.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-12.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/51/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-12.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-12.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Know how the blood is drawn. No matter where it is done, blood is drawn in similar ways. A needle, usually connected to a small tube, is inserted into a vein. When there is enough blood, the tube is removed and sealed automatically.

If more tubes are needed, the needle is left in place at the blood collection site and another tube is attached to the end of the needle. Once all the tubes needed for your test have been filled, the blood collector will remove the needle and place a small gauze over the puncture site. They will ask you to apply pressure with your hand as you prepare to bring the tube into the lab.
You may need to put a bandage on the gauze to stop the bleeding.
The whole process usually only takes 3 minutes or less. ^{[18] X Trusted Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Go to Source}

Use stress reduction techniques

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1c/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-13.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-13.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1c/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-13.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-13.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Deep breath. If you don’t feel comfortable thinking about drawing blood, you need to relax. Breathe deeply and put your full attention on the breath. Deep breathing triggers the body’s relaxation response. Inhale slowly and count to four before slowly exhaling, also counting from one to four. ^{[19] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f6/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-14.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-14.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f6/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-14.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-14.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Acknowledge that you are nervous. Anxiety is just a feeling like any other feeling. Feelings only take control when you empower them. When you admit it, you take away the power of that emotion. If you try to remove them, they will become stronger. ^{[20] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d1/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-15.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-15.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d1/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-15.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-15.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Be aware that the mind may be deceiving you. Anxiety is a deception with actual physical consequences of the mind. Enough anxiety can lead to a panic attack with symptoms similar to a heart attack. Understanding that worrying, more or less, is just a prank on the mind will help reduce the pressure and responsibility of taking care of yourself. ^{[21] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/62/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-16.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-16.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/62/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-16.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-16.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Ask yourself questions. When you’re worried, ask yourself a few questions to pinpoint the true gravity of the situation. Anxiety can increase overthinking, and asking specific questions that require realistic answers can increase your awareness. Ask yourself questions like:

What is the worst that can happen with a blood draw?
Are my worries realistic? What could really happen to me?
What is the probability of a worst-case scenario? ^{[22] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/2d/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-17.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-17.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/2d/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-17.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-17.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Think positively. You will listen to what you tell yourself, even if you don’t think you can. Say it out loud and repeat that you are strong, you can handle the situation and nothing bad will happen. Thereby, reducing the feeling of stress in you.

Know what follows a blood test

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1b/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-18.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-18.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1b/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-18.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-18.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Snack. If you fast before the blood draw, you should bring a snack to use later. Also, bring a water bottle and snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated. It will help you hold out until you can have your main meal.

Peanut butter cookies, nut butter sandwiches, a handful of almonds or walnuts or whey protein are all easy to carry and will give you a certain amount of protein and calories until your main meal.
If you forgot to bring something to eat, ask the staff at the place where the blood was drawn. Maybe the cookies were stored there just for this purpose.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/57/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-19.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-19.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/57/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-19.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-19.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Ask for the time to wait for the results. Some tests are completed in 24 hours, others may take a week or more if the blood has to be shipped to a special lab. Talk to your doctor about the process of transferring test results. In some cases, the clinic does not announce anything when the results are normal. If results are sent in, ask how long it will take for the clinic to receive the results from the lab.

Request notification, even if results are normal. This ensures that your results are not “lost” – resulting in not being notified despite unusual test results.
If the results are available on schedule and you still haven’t been notified, after about 36 to 48 hours, call your doctor’s office.
Ask your doctor’s office about an online notification system. You will probably be given website information for registration and the results will be emailed to you.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8d/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-20.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-20.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8d/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-20.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-20.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Note the bruise. The most common side effect of a blood draw is bruising or a hematoma at the puncture site. Bruising may appear immediately or within 24 hours of the time the blood is drawn. Several factors contribute to a hematoma, including leakage of blood at the site of contact when the needle enters the vein, resulting in blood escaping into the surrounding tissue. They can also be caused by a bleeding disorder or by anticoagulants, which increase the risk of a bruise or hematoma forming when blood is drawn.

Apply pressure to the blood collection site for five minutes or longer if needed to stop bleeding and often reduces the risk of a hematoma or blood collection outside of the blood vessel. ^{[23] X Research Source}^{[24] X Research Source}
Coagulopathy is the best known but relatively rare bleeding disorder. It comes in two forms – A & B.
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common bleeding disorder and affects the blood’s ability to clot. ^{[25] X Research Sources}
When drawing blood, the sick person should inform the doctor and staff about the bleeding disorder in advance.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e4/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-21.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-21.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e4/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-21.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-21.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Ask about the possibility of incorrect results. Certain situations can lead to erroneous blood test results. Using tourniquets for too long can lead to excessive accumulation of blood at the blood collection site. This increases the concentration of blood and the potential for bias in the positive or negative results of the test.

To avoid accumulation or coagulation, the tourniquet should be administered for no more than one minute.
If more than one minute is required to locate the selected vessel, the tourniquet should be removed and reused after two minutes, just before the needle is inserted. ^{[26] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/12/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-22.jpg/v4-728px-Prepare-for-a- Blood-Test-Step-22.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/12/Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-22.jpg/ v4-728px-Prepare-for-a-Blood-Test-Step-22.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Discuss hemolymph with the blood collection staff. Hemolysis is not a complication in you, but a problem with the blood sample. Hemolysis occurs when red blood cells are broken down and other components spill into the serum. At that time, the blood is not accepted for testing and another blood sample is needed instead. Hemolysis usually occurs when:

The tube is shaken vigorously after being removed from the needle.
Blood is drawn from a vessel located near a hematoma.
Using a fine needle, damage blood cells when pulled into the tube.
Clenching your fists too tightly while drawing blood.
Use tourniquets more than one minute.

Steps

Prepare for a physical blood test

Mentally prepare for the blood test

Use stress reduction techniques

Know what follows a blood test

Related Posts