How to Have Your Blood Drawn

Whether it's for testing or your making a donation to save another person's life having your blood drawn isn't an easy task. For some people just the idea of having blood taken is enough to make them faint but with these tips it will help to make the process as quick and painless as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Photo ID (Passport/State ID)
• Proof of Medical Insurance

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Instructions

• 1

  Helpful Terminology

  Phlebotomist -- A technician who either has a certificate or extensive on the job training to perform venipuncture and capillary puncture for the purpose of blood donation and/or diagnostic testing. Phlebotomists are also able to perform physician ordered waived tests.

  Venipuncture -- The process of drawing blood from a vein for donation or diagnostic testing.

  Capillary puncture -- The process of drawing blood from a capillary for diagnostic testing.

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  Ask yourself why your having your blood drawn. Having blood drawn isn't fun for anyone and no one does it just for the heck of it. If your physician has ordered blood work then you have no choice but to bite the bullet and go for the testing. Although this seems obvious, if your a person that is needle phobic don't volunteer to donate blood. Blood donation requires that the patient be willing to remain still for an extended period of time with a needle in their arm. Nobody loves needles but if your donating blood you have to have at least somewhat comfortable with having a needle in your arm. People who are afraid of needles can panic and go into shock if they are not ready and willing to have their blood taken. So make sure if your going to volunteer to donate your blood that your mentally and emotionally ready for it.

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  If your having your blood tested because your doctor has asked you to, then be sure to find out ahead of time if the test(s) your going to have requires you to do anything beforehand. Some diagnostic tests require you to fast 10 - 12 hours before your blood is drawn (such as Glucose and Triglyceride levels) a test that most pregnant women have called a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) requires the patient to drink a glucose solution and have blood drawn multiple times over a span of a few hours. So be sure to ask your doctor before you go to have your blood drawn or else you might find out you have to do it all over again.

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  If your going for physician ordered blood testing you may be required to show proof of health insurance and government issued identification. If your in a hospital setting this may not be the case, this is more so if you are going to a private lab or clinic to have blood work done. Most private labs will not draw your blood if you cannot show proof of insurance and identification, so don't forget it at home.

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  Drink plenty of water before you have your blood drawn. Water keeps your body hydrated and increases blood volume. Proper hydration can help to avoid shock that can happen to some people who are afraid of needles. Water also helps by increasing blood volume which in turn causes veins to dilate and helps the phlebotomist to find the best vein(s) for venipuncture. If your donating blood or your physician says you can eat before having your blood work, eating a light meal can also help to avoid shock.

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  If you are scared or uncomfortable with needles tell the phlebotomist before the procedure is started. This way they can help you to decide when and if your ready to start the procedure and will know to keep a close eye on you during the procedure for signs of shock (such as paleness, sweating, clammy skin and fainting.) If you have had your blood drawn before and you have fainted also tell the phlebotomist that because in most cases you will be asked to lay down for the procedure and you will remain laying down for a little while after the procedure is complete. If you are about to faint you must tell the phlebotomist so the procedure can be stopped and you can safely lay down, and if you become unconscious you can be awaken with an ammonia tablet.

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  If you have any medical conditions (such as a mastectomy or a fistula) that could affect blood work tell the phlebotomist before they begin the procedure. If you have had your blood drawn before and know that a certain vein or section of your arm/hand has had the most success in the past be sure to also mention that to the phlebotomist this can help to make the procedure as quick and painless as possible.

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  The biggest mistakes people make while having their blood drawn is to hold their breath, tense up and stare directly at the needle. This is the quickest way to cause yourself to panic and potentially faint. The best way to approach the procedure is to relax, sit up straight, look away from the needle or close your eyes and take slow breaths. Many people find talking to the phlebotomist is a good way of distracting yourself while the procedure is taking place. A good phlebotomist can realize when a patient needs to be talked through the procedure and will be able to chat their ear off.

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  If a child is the one having blood drawn it is best to explain to the child what's happening. Explain to them that they need to have this done and that it will only hurt a little bit and will only last for a few seconds. Explain how brave they are and that you will be with them the whole time. The fact is that 9 out of every 10 kids will scream, cry, fight and even bite so they don't have to have their blood drawn no matter what you say to them, but being honest with them and explaining that they have to do this will be best for the child. Lying to them by saying "it won't hurt at all" or "you won't even feel it" can cause trauma to the child and will make them mistrust you and phlebtomists in the future. Studies have shown that lies from parents and medical professionals can cause psychological damage to children and lead to medical related phobias later on in life.

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  Now that the procedure is over your all done! If your feeling a little light headed or nauseas then stay seated or laying down for a few minutes until you feel better. If your having your blood drawn for donation usually they will have a drink and small snack on hand to help you feel better. If you become sick within the next two weeks after having your blood drawn for donation you must call back the blood bank where it was drawn so the sample can be destroyed (this is because any illness, even the common cold could be passed through blood.) All blood that is donated is screened for HIV and a range of other blood born diseases, so if the results are positive the blood bank will call you to let you know (not that I'm suggesting using blood donation as a way to screen for blood born diseases.)