Blood tests

Seven handy tips before your next blood test

Handy tips before your next blood test

1. PHOBIAS

People with needle phobias may feel dizzy during or after the test. If this has happened to you before, just let your doctor know.

2. DISTRACTIONS

Try to distract yourself if possible. For example, by taking headphones and listening to some music while the test is being done.

3. CLOTHING

Wear short-sleeved clothing, so it's easy to take a sample from your arm, or wear a top with loose sleeves that can easily roll up above your elbow.

4. QUESTIONS

Remember, there is no such thing as a silly question. Your doctors and nurses may use new words that you’ve not heard of – if you don’t know what they mean, just ask. There is no expectation that you will remember everything, so don’t worry about asking the same question again.

5. PREPARATION

If you have questions, make sure you write them down. It can be easy to forget things when you’re speaking with your nurses and doctors.

6. SUPPORT

Remember, you can take a member of your family, a friend, carer or someone to support you to your clinic appointment. They can ask any questions you don’t want to or forget. Why not look at this checklist of questions to start with.

7. NURSES

But most importantly, remember that the nurses are there for you. If you are feeling anxious about your blood test, let them know. Although it might seem like a strange experience to you, they are experts in taking blood and will have done it thousands of times before. They will know plenty of ways to distract you and make the experience as pleasant as possible.