Questions about getting blood drawn?!
Question: I am 15 and have never had it done before (getting blood drawn)
I am not too worried about it. I am doing it because I am starting a prescription and it requires me to have a blood test done before I start it, and once every month I am on it.
Can you tell me the process of getting blood drawn?
If it hurts?
How long it takes?
Any Tips?
Thank You!!!
Answers: I am 15 and have never had it done before (getting blood drawn)
I am not too worried about it. I am doing it because I am starting a prescription and it requires me to have a blood test done before I start it, and once every month I am on it.
Can you tell me the process of getting blood drawn?
If it hurts?
How long it takes?
Any Tips?
Thank You!!!
Ah, it's no big deal really. It's like getting a shot. I had it done all the time to me (I think my doc was a secret vampire) You sit down in a chair and they just take the needle and do what they need to do. The length of time depends on how much they need. If it's just one vial then just a few seconds. My best tip for you and one that I still use....Don't Look! Look away at something on another wall and do not tense up. Relax. The more relaxed you are the less the needle will hurt (more of a pinch really) You'll be fine.
I forgot to add that they usually get it in the crease of your arm (elbow area) and sometimes if that doesn't work the back of your hand. (other places too, but probably not needed)
It doesn't take very long for them to draw blood, only about two minutes or so but they do prepare for it first. It may hurt but sometimes it is all in your head, but of course when they initially put the needle in you, it will have a pinchy feeling. DON'T tense up your arm because it takes longer to get enough blood out!
Getting a bee sting hurts more than a blood draw. The person who draws the blood usually does this all day long and is good at it. You will get a large rubber tube around your upper arm and you will squeeze a ball. This will show the technician where your best veins are. Then they will slip a small needle under your skin into the vein. A vacuum tube will then be attached to the needle and blood will flow into it. It is quick and mostly painless. Just like a pinch... really nothing to ruin your day.
My only tip is to relax and look the other way.
If you ever had a shot, you know what the needle feels like. That said, the difference is normally it happens at the front of the elbow(either one), and they slip a latex band around your bicep to make the vein stand out. If you're allergic to latex, tell them so they can use a different material band. You'll probably have to sign a form, or your parent/guardian will. They generally will take twice as much as they need so if anything untoward happens, they won't have to stick you again. Since you're going to be doing this on a regular basis, my advice is to find four alternate spots for the blood draw. It will give your veins a chance to heal before they're used again, and will minimize scar tissue at any one site. (Been there 40 years ago) so talk to your tech about what sites are best, then decide. Good luck.