Search results
Arriving prepared can help make your visit go smoothly. Check out special preparation details if your test requires fasting or you're bringing a child in for a lab visit. 1. Get a lab order. 2. Find a location. 3. Schedule your appointment. 4.
- Overview
- Preparation tips for the day before your blood test
- Preparation tips for the day of your test
- What to expect from a blood draw procedure
- How long does it take to see the results of your blood draw
- Takeaway
Following your doctor’s instructions is the most important part of preparing for a blood test. Sleeping well, staying hydrated, and avoiding certain foods and drinks can also provide benefits.
Blood tests are a common procedure, but many people may feel nervous about having blood drawn. Others may be unsure how to prepare or whether to avoid eating or drinking beforehand.
Here are preparation tips you can follow the day before your blood test:
•Check your doctor’s instructions carefully. For certain blood tests, you may need to fast (avoid eating or drinking anything except water) for 9–12 hours beforehand. Your doctor may also ask you to stop taking certain prescription medications.
•If you need to fast, also consider avoiding activities like smoking, drinking alcohol, chewing gum, and doing strenuous exercise. These can all affect blood test results.
•If you don’t need to fast, consider avoiding alcohol and fatty or rich foods. This will ensure you feel your best the day of the appointment.
•Get plenty of sleep. Being well-rested helps make your veins easier to access during the blood draw.
•If you’re going to a lab that doesn’t require appointments, call ahead to find out when they’re least busy to avoid a long wait.
Here are preparation tips you can follow on the day of your blood test:
•Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated keeps more fluid in your veins, making the blood draw easier.
•Avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks, which may dehydrate you.
•If you don’t need to fast, eat breakfast 1–2 hours before the test. This can help prevent lightheadedness during the blood draw.
•If you’re concerned about queasiness or nausea, avoid eating right before your appointment.
•Wear short sleeves beneath any outerwear to make it easier to access your arm.
A blood draw is a quick procedure that usually takes only a few minutes.
When you arrive at the lab, you’ll check in for your appointment at the front desk. You’ll wait in the lobby until a technician calls you into the blood draw room. The technician will have you sit in a chair with an armrest.
If you’re wearing a long-sleeve shirt, you’ll roll up your sleeve past your elbow. Then you’ll stretch your arm out in front of you.
The technician will clean a small area on your arm with an antiseptic wipe. They’ll also tie an elastic band around your arm. This causes your vein to swell, making it easier to insert a needle and draw blood.
To encourage blood flow, the technician may ask you to make a fist. Then, they’ll gently insert a needle into your arm. You may feel a slight pricking sensation, but it shouldn’t be painful.
Once enough blood has been drawn, the technician will remove the needle and place a small bandage over the area.
For many common blood tests, you can expect to receive the results from 24 hours to a few days later. This includes:
•complete blood count
•basic metabolic panel
•complete metabolic panel
•lipid panel
In some cases, it may take up to a few weeks to get the results. For example, tests for rare conditions may take longer, since not every laboratory is equipped for specialized testing.
A blood test is a quick and common medical procedure. The best way to prepare for a blood test is to follow your doctor’s specific instructions. Certain blood tests may require fasting beforehand, but it depends on which test you’re having.
If you’re concerned you may feel nervous or queasy, let your technician know so they can help you feel more comfortable. Taking a few deep breaths or listening to music may help you relax.
Oct 28, 2019 · According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the actual blood draw usually takes less than 3 minutes, and the results can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks to ...
What To Expect After Blood Tests. When the needle is withdrawn, you'll be asked to apply gentle pressure with a piece of gauze bandage to the site. This helps to stop the bleeding and may help prevent swelling and bruising. Make sure that you do not bend your arm, as this may cause bruising. Hold pressure until you are asked to remove your hand.
People also ask
How does quest mobile collect a blood test?
Does quest send test results to a doctor?
Do Quest mobile professionals get lab results?
Centrifugation: When plasma is required, or when not using a serum gel separator tube, follow these instructions: Draw 12 mL of whole blood for each 5 mL of serum or plasma needed. Collect in an appropriate collection tube. Centrifuge for at least 15 minutes at 2200-2500 RPM. Pipette the serum or plasma into a clean plastic screw-cap vial and ...
If you have a MyQuest account, your test results will be delivered to your account as soon as they are available. This is generally 2-5 business days from the time the sample is received, depending on your test. If you are waiting for lab results in CA, KY, MD, or PA, your lab results may be held for a period of time before they are released.
