3. Ask if you can take medication
If you’re taking any medication, you should definitely talk to your doctor about them. Certain treatments might cause blood tests to be less accurate, resulting in a misdiagnosis.
Make sure you tell your doctor about all of your prescriptions, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and over-the-counter medications. It will not only prevent you from incorrect blood test results, but it will also prevent further complications during the blood draw. If you’re taking any of the medications listed above, your doctor may advise you to wait between 24 and 48 hours before having blood collected.
If you’re using herbal treatments, there might be a bit of a problem. Vitamins and supplements might affect your test in unexpected ways, so it’s better to stop using them. Bring with you any vitamins or medications you’re taking. It’s something you can show your Med Tech. They’ll keep a record of what you’re taking so the doctor can check it out.
Beyond everything, keep in mind the golden rule: don’t stop taking your prescription until your doctor advises you to. All of your medical records are accessible to your doctor. Plus, if they’re your primary care physician, they’ll know whatever medications you’re taking. And if you’re unsure of anything, just ask.
4. Avoid certain activities
Who would’ve thought that you’re not even allowed to indulge in certain activities? Despite the obvious, such as smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, doctors often advise you to avoid excessive physical exercises and even sexual activities, since they can compromise the results. Blood sugar levels and inflammatory markers may be affected.
So you should avoid physical activities that require a lot of effort, but if you do, make sure to let your doctor know.
Excellent article!
As we age (and for some younger folks, as well), drinking plenty of water the day before the blood test helps the phlebotomist to find and puncture the selected vein, in addition to helping the patient who’s prone to fainting or dizziness.
Can’t get to f*ckin article w/o being redirected to some crappy ad/scam
very informative article
Great explination of the procedure. It was perfect and the exact way it should be done.
Previous experience working in a lab.
The ad blocked the article I was trying to read and could not be removed VERY ANNOYING
Good article. Attention, the name for the rubber band used in the blood draw is a tourniquet.
The term “tourniquet” can be fear inducing and probably applies to any of several items which can stop circulation when tightened. I think the article’s writer showed good judgement is choosing the colloquial term “rubber band”.
(1) Two glasses of water will “pump-up” your veins, so that the blood draw is easier for the tech.
(2) Press the cotton pad they put on the opening firmly. It will immediately close the vein and clot any blood, minimizing the bruise/discoloration.
Spot on,, Stephen. Accurate and helpful.I’ve had success with this technique with a variety of nurses and phlebotomists.
Stop. I tried to read this article but Instead had to go through several useless downloads
I wish they would stop all the unnecessary ads and distractions.
I found it interesting to see these steps now I can be aware of how it is done
I suppose I could have reviewed the article pre-publishing. The article is very good BUT nothing new for me.
Thanks for posting this!
I was in the medical field for 20 yrs before I became disabled so much of what I read I already knew. What I didn’t know was what certain meds could affect my blood tests. This was great information for my next blood test!
I got a flu shot one hour before my physical and I did not tell the doctor. My blood pressure was way different than normal and the doctor give me an EKG and said it did not look right. I have taken my blood pressure several times since then and it has been normal every time. Is it possible that the shot screwed up things for a couple of hours? Larry Clark
Great article. It covers everything.
Your information is too much and not in order or sequence. I try to read some article and your ad is showing many articles at the same time. This is making me to be lose and my interest reduce because I do not know where to find what I supposed to read.
i always INSIST on the person drawi ng the blood to use a never been used before CLEAN needle
I was not able to find the article with the 8 things i should fo before a blood test. Can someone help me?