What are the things that you should remember when having your blood tested as an outpatient client?
You should not forget these 7 basic things:
1. Before the blood extraction (phlebotomy) coordinate with your doctor and health worker whether you should be fasting or not.
Usually for ordinary tests, the protocol is fasting for 8 to 12 hours. For triglyceride determinations, it is advisable to fast for 12 to 14 hours. There are tests however, that do not need fasting.
2. Be certain you are aware of other necessary precautions concerning the test. You should consider these vital items:
2.1. Can you exercise? If not, what are these particular exercises?
2.2. Can you drink pure water?
2.3. Could cigarettes and alcohol be taken in?
2.4. What about medications, are there any specific instructions about them? What about the medications that you have to ingest daily?
3. Make sure you go earlier than the appointed time. It is always better not to waste other people’s time.
4. Bring a sandwich or some food so you could eat after your blood extraction.
5. If you are scared of needles, invite a relative or friend to go with you for moral support.
6. Know the requested tests, and the brief description of each. It pays to have information about the tests.
7. Psyche yourself positively. Perceive in your mind that the extraction of blood would be a pleasant experience; that it may cause some pain but would be tolerable.
Observing the above-mentioned tips would make your laboratory blood test an annual event you would look forward.
Photo by Neeta Lind
