You need to draw blood for either donating blood or a medical test at some point in time. The method for either of them is similar and do not involve much pain. This blog post discusses how you can prepare for the next blood draw. In case you are related to the medical field, there are some tips to follow and improve blood draw methods. You may conduct blood test in London and know about your health condition.
Table of Contents
Before the blood draw
It is necessary to know if you have to follow some instructions before your blood draw. For example, there are some tests that require to do fasting for a certain time. The other tests do not require too fast at all.
In case you do not have special instructions for your arrival time, there are some steps to take and make the process easier.
- Drink sufficient water before the appointment. The blood volume will increase by staying hydrated and the viners are plumper.
- Eat a healthy meal and select one with lots of whole-grain carbohydrates and protein. This can prevent feeling light-headed after giving blood.
- Wear a short-sleeve shirt for easy access to the veins.
- Do not take aspirin for at least two days before drawing blood at the time of donating platelets.
About the process
The time it requires for drawing blood depends on the amount of blood you need. For example, donating blood may require nearly 10 minutes and getting a small blood sample will take only a few minutes. Though the method varies depending on who draws the blood and for what purpose, the person who performs your blood draw need to follow this process:
- Request to expose one arm and then place a tight elastic band known as a tourniquet around your limb. This will make veins back up with blood and can be easy to detect.
- Identify the view that seems easy to access with a visible vein. They might feel a vein to evaluate the borders and how large they might be.
- Clean your targeted vein with an alcohol pad or another cleansing method. It is quite possible that they may have difficulty accessing the vein when inserting the needle.
- Try to insert a needle successfully into your skin for accessing the vein. The needle is usually connected to a syringe or special tubing to collect your blood.
- Release the tourniquet and remove the needle from your arm. After this, apply gentle pressure with a bandage or gauze to avoid further bleeding. The person who draws blood will probably cover the puncture site through a bandage.
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How to remain calm in the blood draw?
Though drawing blood is a minimally painful experience, it is quite possible that some people will feel extremely nervous about getting stuck with a needle or getting their own blood.
Here are some ways to lessen the reactions and remain calm:
- Try to focus on taking deep breaths before getting blood drawn. By focusing on breathing, you will be able to ease mental tension and relax your body naturally.
- Take headphones and listen to music before and during blood draw. This enables you to block out an environment that might make you feel nervous.
- The person who draws your blood will tell you to look away before bringing a needle near your arm.
- Know if there are devices or methods for the person to draw blood and reduce the discomfort. For example, some clinics use small lidocaine injections or numbing creams before inserting your needle into the vein. This can help to lessen the discomfort.
- Use a device for placing nearby that can lessen the discomfort of needle insertion.
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Side effects
Most blood draws lead to minimal side effects but it is possible you might experience any of the following:
- rashes
- bruising
- bleeding
- lightheadedness after donating blood
- skin irritation from adhesive or tape from the applied bandage
- soreness
Most of these symptoms will subside in due course. When you still experience bleeding from the puncture site, try holding pressure with a dry and clean gauze for at least five minutes. If the site continues to bleed, then you need to visit a doctor.
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After the blood draw
Even when you draw a small amount of blood, there are some steps to follow and improve your feeling.
- Wear the bandage for the specified time which is usually four to six hours after your blood draw. You might have to leave it for a long time when taking medications to thin the blood.
- Do not perform vigorous exercises which might stimulate blood flow and lead to bleeding from the site.
- Eat foods that are rich in iron such as iron-fortified cereals or leafy green vegetables.
- Put an ice pack by covering with a cloth on the hand or arm when you experience bruising or soreness at the puncture site.
- Take on energy-boosting foods such as crackers, cheese and some nuts.
If you experience any of these symptoms, then you should see a doctor or the location where you can draw blood.
A blood draw should be a painless procedure that has few side effects. If you have any concerns about the side effects or the process, then you should share them with the one who draws your blood. With a private blood test in London, you will be able to improve your health and stay fit.
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