Clinically, doctors use blood tests a lot, and it is a popular test used to evaluate several health conditions.
Blood tests can check for:
- How well your overall health is
- Any existing infectious disease
- The health condition of vital organs in your body, such as the kidney and liver
- Some genetic conditions
Having a blood test most of the time doesn’t require much; the procedure in itself is simple. And it can be done at a private GP appointment or a local clinic. Either a nurse, doctor or blood sample specialist can perform a blood test.
If you are interested in knowing some common types of blood tests, you can reach us.
Getting ready to take a blood test
Your doctor or healthcare giver responsible for ordering your blood test will give you any necessary information you need before the blood test is done.
Sometimes, following the blood test type, the nurse may ask that you fast – don’t eat or drink anything else than water for about 12 hours before the test. They may also ask that you don’t use some type of medication.
Take care to keep to any instruction your doctor gives so that the test result comes out precisely, and there won’t be a need for a re-test, nor will there be a delay.
How is a blood test done?
First, it is the blood that is needed for this test, so a sample of it will be drawn from your body. Not just any part of the body but where it is convenient and has blood vessels running close to the surface. Based on this, blood is drawn from either inside the elbow or the wrist on the arm.
As for kids who need a blood test, the doctor will draw a sample from the back of their hands. Before this is done, a numbing cream will be applied to the site the blood will be drawn from.
To take the blood sample quicker and easier, a tourniquet (an elastic band) will be wrapped around your upper arm. This restricts blood flow on the targeted vein causing it to be enlarged as more blood collects there.
An antiseptic wipe will be applied on the site to be punctured before the blood is taken.
A syringe carrying needle is used to draw out the blood from your vein. Your skin may be mildly pricked from the needle penetration, however, no discomfort should be felt. Not everyone can stand the sight of blood and needles, so if you’re such a person, speak with your doctor to look for ways that will make the procedure convenient for you.
After drawing a sufficient blood sample, the elastic band around your arm will be freed up first and the needle released from your skin. The doctor will hold a piece of cotton wool against the punctured site. So, it doesn’t bleed, and the bruising is relaxed. To help prevent microbes from getting into your body, the site may be covered in a small plaster.
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What happens post blood test?
Just a little sample of blood is drawn for the test to help you remain stable and without major side effects. Be that as it may, there are times people experience dizziness and may pass out while the test is being done. And even after the procedure. Should you have been in such a situation before, inform your nurse so that they can take better care of you.
Bruising may happen after the test as a result of the slight puncture from the needle. You may feel pain from bruises, but they don’t pose any danger and will heal overtime (a couple of days at most).
The outcome of a blood test
Each patient for a blood test has their names and personal information written on the bottle or container carrying the collected blood sample post-test. From here, the samples are taken to a lab, where analysis is done according to what is to be diagnosed.
The test result will be returned to the clinic where you had the test or your doctor. Turnaround time for blood test result may vary from same-day to a couple of days or weeks after. The doctor will tell you to expect your result and how it’ll be delivered.
There are times where getting blood test results may not be easy. It can even get you annoyed. Where you perceive there may be issues with your test result. You can take a friend or family member along with you to the appointment. In cases where you’ve had a test for infectious diseases like HIV, the doctor will advise you on how to cope with the outcome.
At our clinic, we offer blood tests, including private blood tests in London. Schedule an appointment with us today.