HOW TO MAKE BLOOD TESTS EASIER
HOW TO MAKE BLOOD TESTS EASIER
by Jill Linder, RN
Having some needle phobias?? Here are a few simple ways to make your lab drawing experience a little better!
It’s inevitable that at some point in your life, you will have to get blood drawn for medical reasons. Although it’s not the most pleasant experience, especially for those with “difficult veins”, here are a few tips you can use to make your next visit a little smoother!
- A few things you can do beforehand to help make the process a little easier;
-
- Drink plenty of water before your appointment. When you’re hydrated, your blood volume goes up, and your veins are plumper and easier to access.
- Eat a healthy meal before you go (if you don’t have to fast beforehand, of course). Choosing one with plenty of protein and whole-grain carbohydrates may prevent you from feeling light-headed after giving blood.
- Wear a short-sleeved shirt or layers. This makes accessing your veins easier.
- Communicate with your medical provider. Make sure they know if you’ve been told in the past that you have ‘difficult’ or ‘rolling’ veins. Let the nurse or medical assistant know which arm you’d prefer and where your good veins might be, if you happen to know! The more information we have, the better!
- Make sure you have all the information you need regarding fasting or not fasting for your labs. If you do not need to fast, making sure you drink plenty of water and having meal before your blood draw is key! This is especially important for those who have gotten lightheaded/dizzy or even passed out during prior blood draws. Make sure you let your provider know this so proper steps can be taken to help prevent it from happening again! We can ensure that you look away, or lie down, during your blood draw.
- Let the nurse or MA know if you want to look or not. Most people do want to look away and not see the blood and that is perfectly fine.
- Focus on taking deep, full breaths before getting a blood draw. By focusing on your breathing, you can relieve mental tension and naturally relax your body.
- Take your headphones and listen to music before and during the draw. This allows you to block out an environment that might otherwise make you feel nervous.
Hopefully these tips will help to make your next blood draw visit a little easier! Please come visit us at Comprehensive GI Health and check out our new expanded space, which includes a beautiful new lab! Call 224.407.4400 or visit compgihealth.com for an appointment.