WHAT TO EXPECT WITH BLOOD TESTS

Guide to having your blood test done:

Before Your Blood Test

Avoid eating or drinking anything (except plain water) for a minimum of 8 hours prior to your blood test.

Upon your arrival, our personnel will register your details into our system.
Once your details has been confirmed, one of our Phlebotomists will examine your arm to find a suitable vein.
Once a suitable vein is located, the Phlebotomist will cleanse the skin with an alcohol swab and then insert a sterile needle into your vein to draw out a sample of your blood.
If you are feeling nervous, you can look away or talk to someone to distract yourself.
You may feel a slight prickling sensation as the needle goes in, but it should not be painful.
When the sample has been collected, the needle will be removed.

You will be asked to apply gentle pressure with a piece of cotton wool pad to stop the bleeding and to prevent bruising.
A plaster may then be put on the small wound to keep it clean.
You may want to keep the plaster on for a few hours.
Avoid lifting heavy objects for the next 24 hours to avoid bruising.