There are a lot of people who even today are afraid of blood and needles. If you are one among those who fear to even enter the blood test lab, let us tell you that it is not as painful as you think. If you follow some basic rules, things would become pretty easy for you
Check if you have to fast: When it comes to cholesterol test and various other tests it’s necessary to fast before you go for a blood test. So be aware that you should not take food nor water for at least 8 to 12 hours before you go for the test. It’s good to take early dinner and go to bed. This will give you a fasting time of at least 10 to 12 hours before the test is done at blood work labs.
Have a lot of water: A day before the blood test, it is beneficial if you have enough water before you going to bed. This is because you should not be dehydrated before the test. Even after your test is done, start with water before you have anything.
Reach the lab early: It’s very important to reach the testing lab early in the morning. Most of the labs do open by 7am in the morning. Fasting will not be easy and all of us get hungry as soon as we get up in the morning. If at all you feel weak you can carry some fruit juice and snacks with you, which you can have as soon as your blood test is done. If you reach the lab early you will be taken inside first, so plan things accordingly.
Carry all your documents: It’s necessary to have all your documents and ID proof. When you reach the lab they will ask you the receipt for the blood test and what kind of tests needs to be done as prescribed by the doctor. If you have already paid, keep a copy of the payment receipt as well, which will make things easy for you.
Allow the phlebotomist to do their work: The phlebotomist who will do your blood test will touch your hand and apply tourniquet to your arms; this will help in finding out the veins easily. At times, it’s hard to find the vein if your flesh is hard but do not worry, they have the skills and knowledge to help you, without giving you any pain.
Breath well during the test: While the test being performed, do not move your hand as the needle might prick at the wrong place. Just stay calm and breath; it will just take a few seconds for the phlebotomist to draw blood from your body. If you feel nervous just close your eyes and focus on your breath.
You have enough blood: Many a times we get angry when the phlebotomist takes a lot of blood from our body. Do not worry the tube in which they take blood, contains only one teaspoon which is very less.
