Hints and Tips
Helpful hints and tips prior to your blood test.
Pop on a jumper
If you are cold your veins will be more difficult to locate, so making sure you are nice and warm before your blood test will ensure a more efficient procedure. Ideally, wear a short sleeved top with a warm jumper or cardigan over the top.
Grab some water
Keeping hydrated prior to your blood test makes it more straightforward to locate your veins, so drink plenty of fluids for at least 24 hours before your test.
Raise your heart rate
Taking a walk or some gentle exercise will raise your blood pressure which will have the effect of making veins more prominent.
You won't feel a thing
In the hands of a skilled phlebotomist a blood draw should not be painful, but you may experience a slight pricking or scratching sensation as the needle goes in. Topical anaesthetic creams, such as EMLA, are readily available over the counter at many high street pharmacies. These products temporarily numb the skin and to be fully effective usually need to be applied an hour before the blood test.
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