Blood test is a common medical procedure that is prescribed by healthcare professionals for a wide array of reasons. From detecting a health condition & assessing the function of specific organs to monitoring levels of medication and more, blood tests serve a variety of purposes!
Let’s get a comprehensive overview of blood tests including their introduction, blood test preparation, and what to expect during & after blood tests.
What are Blood Tests?
As the name indicates, blood tests involve the extraction of blood from an individual’s body for analyzing or measuring cells, chemicals, proteins, or other substances found in blood to diagnose or monitor a health condition.
How to prepare for your Blood Test?
Most of the time, blood tests are either conducted in a pathology lab or a hospital. The doctor or lab technician will enquire about any ongoing health conditions or medications you may be consuming and will brief you about any preparation required.
The majority of the blood tests don’t necessitate any specific preparation and are over in a matter of minutes. However, some blood tests entail fasting for 8-12 hours prior to the test.
What to expect during blood tests?
Following is the general procedure of a blood test:
- Blood is extracted from a vein in the arm or any other body part with the help of a needle.
- The lab technician may tie a tight band around your arm or tell you to form a fist to make it simpler to insert the needle into the vein.
- The blood drawn in the needle will be transferred into a test tube, and the test tube will be sealed.
- If you are afraid of needles and the extraction of blood, it’s best to close your eyes & count numbers or keep talking with the technician while the process is underway.
- The blood test will usually conclude in just a few minutes.
What to expect after blood tests?
- Once the needle is removed from the vein, a piece of cotton will be applied to the site to stop bleeding.
- You may be asked to avoid bending your arm for a few minutes to prevent bruising.
- If bleeding doesn’t stop even after a few minutes, lift your arm up and apply pressure to the cotton for a minimum of 5 minutes.
- In case you feel unwell or experience any abnormal symptoms after a blood test, get in touch with the doctor at the earliest.
Conclusion
Blood tests are a routine procedure worldwide and are not something to be nervous or worried about.
If you have been recommended a blood test by a doctor, then book your appointment at your nearest Clinico NABL Certified Pathology Lab by calling us 24×7 on 9504555555.
Schedule your appointment now!