Introduction:
A blood test is an essential step in health analysis. A healthcare professional may suggest a blood test for various reasons. The values of blood cells, mineral content, enzymes, hormones, growth factors, etc., in the blood help diagnose multiple medical conditions. In addition, blood work is useful to assess organ function, especially the liver and kidneys. One can also check the medication or drug levels in the blood to evaluate the toxicity. Since blood tests remain an essential component of healthcare, there are several things to consider before taking a blood test.
How to Prepare for a Blood Test?
Before a blood test, one must prepare physically for better analysis. The below protocols should be followed.
Discuss With the Healthcare Provider:
A physician who orders the test specifies the parameters to be checked during blood analysis. Therefore, discussing and gathering instructions to assess parameters precisely is always better.
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Blood sugar and cholesterol levels are checked on an empty stomach in the early morning, so the patient must be prepared accordingly. During the glucose tolerance test, a drink containing glucose must be consumed a few hours before the test.
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Certain tests require refraining from exercising for one day before collecting blood samples.
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One must inform the physician about their medication history, drug usage, alcohol consumption, or tobacco intake beforehand.
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Hormone tests are done on a specific day at a specific time. For example, progesterone is tested on a particular day of a woman's ovulation cycle.
Stay Hydrated:
Drinking enough water will increase the blood volume and keep the blood constituents under control for accurate results. In addition, more fluids in the vein will help draw blood easily. It is suggested that more fluids be in hand before giving blood.
Minor Warm-Up:
A mild warm-up of the hands and legs will increase the blood circulation in the body. Hot fomentation of the area can make your veins eminent for easy blood withdrawal.
Reduce Stress:
Depending on the situation or condition for which a blood test has been ordered, patients may have anxiety about the blood collection or the test reports. Fear and stress can increase blood pressure and narrow down the vein, which makes it difficult to take blood samples. Stress reduction techniques like deep breathing, sipping water, positive self-assurance, hearing soft music, and mindfulness can be practiced a few hours before giving blood samples.
What Should a Person Anticipate During a Blood Draw Procedure?
Upon arrival, individuals check in at the lab's front desk for their appointment. They waited in the lobby until they were called into the blood draw room. Once inside, they sit in a chair with an armrest, rolling up sleeves if needed. The technician cleans the arm, ties an elastic band, and gently inserts a needle to draw blood. Afterward, a small bandage is applied. If dizzy, inform the technician and stay seated. Drinking water or having a snack can help. Any soreness or bruising typically resolves within a few days.
What Is the Turnaround Time for Receiving the Results of the Blood Draw?
Results for common blood tests such as the complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, complete metabolic panel, and lipid panel typically arrive within 24 hours to a few days. However, tests for rare conditions may take a few weeks.
What Are the Activities to Be Avoided Before a Blood Test?
Certain activities may compromise the parameters of the blood test. They are,
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Heavy Physical Activity:
Heavy exercise will show changes in the blood's glucose, red blood cells, white blood cells, lipids, and inflammatory marker levels. Hence, it is advisable to refrain from heavy physical activity a few days before the bloodwork. Always inform the health care provider about the workout details before the blood test.
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Smoking:
Smoking and tobacco products can greatly affect blood test results. Smoking is generally attributed to abnormal levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, the volume of blood, and hemoglobin. Studies have shown long-term effects of smoking on white blood cells and short-term effects on red blood cells.
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Alcohol:
The alcohol content in the blood will disturb the evaluation of lipids, sugars, liver function tests, and certain enzymes in the body. Patients should abstain from taking alcohol for at least 24 hours before the blood has been drawn.
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Overeating:
Specific foods for the blood test should be avoided for the recommended number of days. Also, it is not advisable to overeat for a day before giving samples for a blood test. Some common tests, like blood sugar, lipids, and calcitonin, will require fasting.
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Medications and Supplements:
Over-the-counter pain, cold, and fever medicines may adversely affect the blood test results. Health supplements and vitamins can affect the diagnosis of heart disease, endocrine disturbance, infection, cancer, and anemia. The physician may direct the patients to an alternative or modified testing methodology for proper detection.
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Herbal Tea:
The ingredients in the herbal tea will affect the blood test report. Certain herbs mainly alter the sugar and fat levels in the blood.
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Coffee or Caffeinated Drink:
Caffeine has a major effect on the heart and blood pressure. It is also a diuretic, removing water from the body. Dehydration, caused by an electrolyte imbalance, causes a drastic change in blood parameters.
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Chewing Gums:
Chewing gums can speed up digestive enzymes, and studies have shown that even sugar-free chewing gums adversely affect many blood parameters.
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Native Medicines:
Just like conventional medicines, the properties of herbal native medicines have their effects on the body, which will be reflected in the blood samples.
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Masturbation:
After ejaculation and orgasm during masturbation, certain biochemical changes in the blood may affect the blood work.
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Sexual Activity:
Sexual activity and masturbation must be avoided for at least 48 hours before a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test because ejaculation can increase PSA levels temporarily and may influence the exact results.
How to Communicate With the Phlebotomist?
Phlebotomy involves puncturing a vein and drawing blood from it or inducing fluids into it. A phlebotomist assists laboratory technicians, doctors, and nurses with blood collection. Laboratory staff includes technicians and phlebotomists. They are trained in health care and perform lab procedures safely.
It is essential to communicate with them regarding allergies and certain medications, especially blood thinners. Since these medications prolong the clotting time of blood, the staff will be careful while drawing blood and suggest proper aftercare procedures.
Conclusion:
A blood test is a procedure to obtain information about health status. It often helps to screen various body organs and systems and diagnose various disease conditions. Screening has the advantage of detecting diseases even before symptoms occur. Hence, blood tests to monitor a disease will help better plan treatment and progression.
