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What should I do to prepare for my blood test?
That depends on the kind of test you’re having. For example, some blood tests require you to fast for several hours before the test. You may be asked not to drink any liquids apart from a few sips of water. Most blood tests don’t require fasting, but it’s a good idea to ask your healthcare provider what to avoid before your blood test. Other steps may include:
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If you don’t need to fast before your blood test and you’re able to drink water, try to drink as much as you can before your test. Being well-hydrated may make it easier for healthcare providers to obtain blood.
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Boost your blood pressure right before your blood test by doing some gentle exercise while waiting to be called in for your test.
What happens during blood tests?
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You’ll sit in a chair with an armrest where you can stretch your arm out in front of you.
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If you’re wearing a long-sleeve shirt, you’ll roll up your sleeve past your elbow.
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The phlebotomist will wipe an antiseptic liquid in the bend of your arm (on the other side of your elbow) and put an elastic band around your arm (above your elbow).
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They may ask you to make a fist to encourage blood flow.
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They’ll insert a needle into your arm. This typically happens very quickly. You may feel the needle go into your skin. This is called venipuncture.
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The blood flows into a tube that’s sealed and sent to a lab for analysis. The phlebotomist may need to take several samples of your blood, depending on the blood tests your healthcare provider ordered.
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Once the phlebotomist has obtained enough blood, they’ll remove the stretchy band that’s strapped around your arm and removes the needle.
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Then, they’ll put a bandage on the area where the needle went into your skin.