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Has your healthcare provider requested a blood test, but you don’t know how to prepare?
Blood draws are important to examine how well your vital organs are functioning and diagnose medical conditions.
In this post, we’ll look at what you should do before taking a blood test to prepare well.
Are you unsure if your blood test is pivotal for diagnosing a medical condition? Find out if your health insurance will help you cover the costs.
Otherwise, you can ask your insurance provider if there is any wiggle room. Some labs may also offer you a discount if you pay upfront.
Before a blood draw, you should drink lots of water. Many people make the mistake of not drinking water before a blood test because they fear it may complicate the process.
That assumption is wrong unless your healthcare provider has requested a fasting blood test. In all other cases, it is medically advised that you are adequately hydrated before the blood test to ensure the blood drawing goes smoothly.
Drinking plenty of water increases the water concentration in the blood, hydrating it and making the veins plumper and easier to locate.
If you are on medications, discuss them with your healthcare provider. Certain medications can alter blood tests, leading to an incorrect diagnosis.
Ensure that you discuss all medications with your doctor, from blood thinners to alcohol intake, antidepressants, and over-the-counter drugs.
Not only will it help you evade altering the blood test, but it can also save you from possible health complications during the blood draw.
If you are on any of the above medications, your doctor may ask you to wait 24 and 48 hours before having your blood drawn.
Getting blood work done sometimes requires you to fast. For example, if you are being tested for blood glucose, avoid eating and drinking for at least eight to ten hours before getting your blood drawn.
Eating can interfere with the glucose level in your blood. If your doctor has requested a fasting blood test, do not eat or drink for the period of time requested by your doctor until after the test is carried out.
Indulging in certain activities is not advisable before a blood test. Physical activities such as strenuous exercise, sexual activity, smoking, and drinking alcohol can compromise your blood test.
Your doctor might advise you to refrain from these activities before your blood test.
It is important to warm up the extremity where blood will be drawn from. Many doctors do this before performing a blood test to increase blood flow to the area and make the veins palpable.
It can be done by applying a warm compress over the area for ten to 20 minutes. You can also wear warm clothes before going for a blood test to increase your skin temperature and encourage blood to flow to your extremities.
You will make it easy for the phlebotomist to locate your veins.
If you’re going for a fasting blood test, schedule it as early as possible. The hours you spend sleeping are part of the fasting period, and getting the blood test before breakfast will do just fine.
Before going for a blood test, make sure that the lab has all the medical equipment needed to carry out the test smoothly. Also, make sure the phlebotomist has the proper training and is certified.
Many blood tests require different routines. Ask your physician for specific instructions. You do not want to turn up for a blood test without being adequately prepared.
We hope this post gave you a good idea of what you should do before a blood test. If you are looking for a private blood test in London, please give us a call to schedule an appointment.
We offer various types of blood testing in London, such as cholesterol tests, liver blood tests, full blood count tests, and even allergies.
For more information, feel free to get in touch with us.
