5. Make sure you check the lab’s certification
A variety of places provide laboratory services, including blood work. Most hospitals have a laboratory where you can have tests done. There will be walk-in alternatives in some laboratories, while others might need to you make an appointment.
But the most important aspect that you should definitely take into consideration when choosing where to make your investigations, is the lab’s certification.
The quality of blood tests and their results is heavily influenced by the lab’s system, operations, and methodology. Though it is impossible to be certain of the quality, one should always seek reputable and accredited laboratories.
NABL and CAP are two of the most well-known and valued certifications that verify a lab’s quality procedures are followed. You can find out if the lab has these certifications on their official website, but if they don’t have this type of information there, you can simply ask.
17 Responses
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.
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.