The proper blood work procedure
It’s essential to understand what the standard procedure should look like, and make sure you decline the test if your medical technician does not adhere to proper hygiene practices. Here’s what the technician or nurse should do:
1. Clean the arm with a cotton ball dabbed in alcohol.
2. Apply a rubber band, known as a tourniquet, to your upper arm to make your veins more prominent, and ask you to make a fist.
3. Insert a sealed needle attached to a collection tube into a vein.
4. Remove both the tourniquet and needle after taking your blood sample.
5. Cover the punctured site with a bandage.
Blood tests effectively assess your overall health, detect illnesses or diseases early, and evaluate how your body may respond to different treatments. Many individuals undergo routine blood tests at least once a year. Consult your doctor to determine if additional tests are necessary to ensure your health.
Do you feel more prepared for your next blood test? Let us know more about your experience.
You might also want to know what to do after blood work. For that, read:Got Your Blood Test Results Back? Here’s What They Mean
