Blood test tomorrow...?!

Hi,
I am a lab tech and draw blood everyday. If you dont have to fast for the test then make sure you eat and also drink alot of water(even if you need to fast you can drink water). Being well hydrated can help make it easier to find the vein. Some places have tables or chair that can lay down so if you give the nurse/phlemotomist a heads up they might have you sit there.

When you are actually getting the blood drawn make sure you dont tense up, remember to breathe normal... make sure you dont hold your breath! try and keep talking even if its just about what you ate for breakfast. its usually best not to look at the needle or the tubes, if i know my patient tends to pass out i wont even tell them how many tubes they have, i have them look somewhere else and then ask them some general question like where are they from or what do they do for a living. i also keep a cup of water nearby in case they start not feeling well.

when the blood draw is finished you dont have to rush out of the chair. take your time, the nurse will understand. sometimes if you stand too quickly you can get a little light headed.

bring a small snack or juice box with you for after.

i hope everything goes well :)

Medical Laboratory Technician/ Phlebotomist

Hey! I hate injections as well ;D

Don't look at your arm, and talk to the nurse casually, like "how are you today?"; make general conversation. I did this for my blood test and my BCG as well! the good thing is that the nurse usually starts the conversation. Also see that you reward yourself after! maybe a cookie or something :)