Blood tests are a standard procedure where a syringe is inserted into your vein to draw your blood. It is later analyzed at the laboratory to evaluate the elements in the blood that indicate your health.
Although the procedure is simple, many people feel overwhelmed with the entire process. However, understanding each step will relieve you of all your concerns so you can get your blood drawn without discomfort.
That said, the best way to get comfortable during this process is to get your blood work at home, MD. This way, you will be in your safe space, and you will feel at ease.
Now let’s move on to understanding the entire process.
The Process of a Blood Test
Getting a blood test is fairly straightforward. It is not a complex technique; you will finish in 5 to 10 minutes. Here are the steps involved in the blood test process:
Step 1: The technician or phlebotomist will ask you to sit down and relax.
Step 2: They will clean your skin area where they will be drawing blood from. Typically, the blood is drawn from one of the veins in your arm.
Step 3: The phlebotomist will tie a band on your upper arm. This makes the veins on your arm more visible. Next, they will ask you to make a fist. This stretches your skin and makes the veins more prominent.
Step 4: The phlebotomist will open a new and unused syringe attached to a vial to collect your blood.
Step 5: The needle will be slowly inserted into your vein. You might feel a prick when the needle punctures your skin.
Step 6: They will collect a small amount of your blood. If there are multiple tests, they might remove the filled vial and attach a new one to ensure they have enough blood to test.
Step 7: The needle will be gently removed from your vein, and the vials will be sealed.
Step 8: The phlebotomist will remove the band on your upper arm and put a Band-Aid on the drawing site.
Step 9: You will be free to go while the phlebotomist labels your blood and stores it safely.
This quick procedure does not require changing your daily plans or activities.
Tips to Remember for Your Blood Test Process
As you can see, the blood test process is simple. However, drawing blood from your body does affect your health. Hence, here are some tips for you to follow after getting your blood test:
1. Hydrate
It is common to feel light-headed or experience dizziness after a blood test. This means your body is dehydrated. It needs to revitalize and regain its strength. The human body needs fluids to survive, and when blood is drawn, it loses the required fluids. Hence, it is essential to hydrate to get back the energy.
2. Rest to Recover
Since your body is regaining strength after the blood test, it is essential to rest. A few minutes of rest can go a long way. Every person’s body is different and does not respond the same way. While some people do not feel dizzy or weak after a blood test, some people feel faint after even a tiny amount of blood is lost.
Rest will also help if you have to fast for the blood test. Relax, eat and hydrate to feel better and then continue your daily activities once you are sure you feel better.
3. Eat a Healthy Meal
In order to ensure your body regenerates enough blood cells, eat a balanced healthy meal. Consume iron-rich food like nuts, bread, leafy greens, etc. This will help produce red blood cells. It is also essential to eat fruits to stimulate iron absorption.
You should also consume protein like chicken or fish. Avoid fatty and oily food, so your heart is not pressured into beating fast.
4. Refrain from Engaging in Physical Activity
After a blood test, your heart might beat faster to pump more blood. It is best to take it easy and not engage in any physical activity immediately after getting your blood work. This is especially necessary if you have been fasting for the blood test.
Physical activity will put your heart under stress and can also increase your blood pressure. In fact, lifting weights, or running, should strictly be avoided. Even though only a little bit of blood is drawn for testing, your body still needs to recover. Wait at least an hour or until you feel better to engage in physical activity.
5. Apply Ice to Drawing Site
In some cases, your arm may feel sore after the blood test. This can happen if you have sensitive skin, bruise easily, or blood is taken from your artery instead of a vein.
However, it is not a major cause of concern. You simply need to ice the drawing area to reduce soreness. If you see a little blood seeping out of the drawing site after you remove the Band-Aid, wipe it with an alcohol swab and put a fresh Band-Aid over it. Remove it carefully a few hours later.
The soreness subsides in about 24 hours. If the soreness doesn’t go away and you are concerned about it, speak to a medical professional for guidance.
The Last Word
Blood tests can be overwhelming for some people. However, taking the time to understand the process and speaking to your phlebotomist will help you be at ease. The process is short and over before you know it. It barely takes 5 minutes to complete the entire process.
However, after the blood work, make sure to rest, eat well, hydrate, and avoid physical activity for the next few hours to ensure your body can regenerate the blood cells, so you are re-energized.
If you feel anxious in a strict medical environment, Mobile Blood Labs can help by providing Laboratory Testing Services VA. Their years of experience ensure the process is quick and smooth while you are at ease in your home.
