What to Expect At the Time of Blood Drawing?

 
At some point of life you need to draw blood or donate for medical purposes. The entire process is identical and completely painless! However, if you worry about what the procedure involves then continue reading this blog will help you to a great extent before undergoing private blood tests at any clinic.

Prior blood collection

Blood test is vital and assists the doctor to know certain things about your health condition. Thus, you must follow the pre-test instructions carefully to receive most accurate results on time. Some demands for fasting while some don’t! However, some basic tips are here to make the test easy for you:

1. Drink lots of water prior to the test. Proper hydration will increase blood volume making the veins plump and easy for accessibility.
2. Have healthy meal ahead of the test. Always opt for the foods rich in whole-grain carbs and protein number. These will protect you from the feeling of fainting after blood drawn.
3. Put on short-sleeved shirts so that the nurse can access the veins easily.
4. Stop taking aspirin 2 days ahead of the blood test if you are about to donate platelets.

You can choose any clinic where you feel comfortable and have successful blood tests before! Of course, this decision will make you feel better and confident about the test.

The entire procedure

Blood test time relies on its amount necessary for analysis. For instance, blood donation may take around 10 minutes while blood drawing consumes only a couple of minutes to finish.

Regardless of the varied process in terms of blood collection for different purposes everyone has to follow this basic process:

1. Expose an arm where the nurse will place the tight elastic band or tourniquet in limb. It backs up the vein carrying blood and nurse can easily identify them.
2. They will access the specifically visible and large vein. Also they assess its border to assume its approximate length.
3. Now cleansing method will take place using alcohol pad to prepare the site for needle insertion. In case of difficulty they will try out other veins.
4. Needle will insert by the nurse by penetrating through the skin. Basically syringe is often attached with special tube for collecting blood sample.
5. Now they will remove the tourniquet and needle exerting gentle pressure using bandage or gauze. This will protect the site from further bleeding! Now the nurse will cover the site of puncture using an adhesive bandage.

Certain blood types need more time for donation (especially for special donation type called apheresis). Any person who donates blood through this method giving the blood with separated components like plasma or platelets.

Tips to remain calm

Although blood drawing is painless and rapid process many people get anxious about it. They worry of thinking of sticking with the needle seeing that blood will come out.

Opt for these ways to stay calm throughout the procedure:

1. Emphasise on taking full and deep breaths prior to draw the blood. It will help in relieving mental tension making the whole body in relaxation state.
2. Put on the earphones and start tuning to your favourite playlist. It blocks that anxious environment to affect you making you more nervous.
3. The phlebotomist will ask you to look farther and you must follow the instructions.
4. You can ask if there are other methods or device which minimise the blood collection discomfort. For instance, the application of lidocaine injections and numbing creams may help.
5. Devices such as Buzzy, the vibrating tool can lessen the sensation of needle insertion too.

If you are amongst anxious persons to have the blood collection then share your concerns with the doctor and seek professional help. They will let you know about the entire procedure so that you can stay calm.

Side effects

Every blood draws lead to some little side effects. But it is possible for you to experience the following as well:

1. Soreness
2. Skin irritation due to adhesive tape or bandage
3. Rash
4. Lightheadedness
5. Bruising
6. Bleeding

Fortunately, each of the symptoms will subside over time. In case there is still bleeding from puncture site then hold the site with pressure using dry gauze and clean bandage. Visit the doctor immediately!

Doctor consultation is must for those who experience major blood bruise (medical condition called hematoma) It blocks the blood circulation to tissues. However dim-sized hematoma will go away naturally over time.

After withdrawing blood

After having blood drawn, follow the given steps for coping up with your feeling afterwards:

1. Always let the bandage on the site of injection as per recommended time (if there is no skin irritation). You must keep it at least 4-6 years after the procedure. If you are taking blood-thinning medication then you can leave it for long as necessary.
2. Abstain from any sort of vigorous exercise stimulating blood circulation as it can cause bleeding at the puncture site.
3. Have foods which are good source of iron like iron-fortified cereals and leafy green veggies. These will help in replenishing the lost iron and building back the blood supply.
4. If there is bruising and soreness at the site of injection then application of cloth-covered ice bag is beneficial.
5. While snacking ensure you are having energy-boosting foods like turkey sandwich, nuts, crackers and cheese.

Consult with the doctor right away if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Conclusion

Remember that blood donations and drawing is almost painless procedure associating with less number of side effects. In case you want to donate blood then contact with the respective organisation or hospital to do so! For further query regarding the side effects always stay in touch with the phlebotomist or nurse collecting your blood sample. Numerous ways are there to make the whole procedure much simple and smooth. Reach out a clinic for private blood tests in UK by making an appointment to undergo the process at affordable costs.