It is common for doctors to recommend blood tests after a doctor's appointment or routine check-up.
According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, blood tests can identify vitamin and mineral deficiencies, immune system problems, signs of infection, and whether organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys are functioning properly.
Fox News Digital spoke to doctors about how to prepare for your next blood test.
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Reasons for blood tests
Your doctor may order blood tests for three main reasons: screening, diagnosis, and monitoring.
Blood tests can identify vitamin and mineral deficiencies, immune system problems, signs of infection, and whether organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys are functioning properly. (St. Petersburg)
Dr. Brynta Bassager, a family physician at BayHealth Family Medicine in Dover, Delaware, says screening has nothing to do with symptoms and is based on age, risk factors or when you were last tested.
These tests can screen for cholesterol, glucose, HIV, hepatitis C, and more.
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Diagnostic tests are based on the symptoms you tell your doctor, Basagar said.
“We carefully select blood tests to identify or rule out diseases that may be causing those symptoms,” she told FOX News Digital.
Your doctor may order blood tests for three main reasons: screening, diagnosis, and monitoring.
Vasager said monitoring blood tests may be done if a diagnosis has already been made and the doctor wants to make sure the treatment is working and check for any negative side effects.
These tests can help your doctor recommend medications and lifestyle changes.
What to expect from a blood draw
A technician will take you to a private area and verify your name and date of birth, Basagar said.
After you are seated in a chair, the technician will wrap a tight band around your upper arm to give you better access to your veins.
Next, the technician will clean the area and insert a small needle to draw a vial of blood, the doctor said.
After you are seated in a chair, the technician will wrap a tight band around your upper arm to give you better access to your veins. (St. Petersburg)
“Some blood tests require different types of tests, so you may need multiple vials of blood,” she says.
“Once we have what we need, we remove the needle and apply pressure to help the blood clot.”
The technician will label each vial of blood with your identifying information and ask you to confirm it is correct, Bassager added.
What to do before a blood test
If you have fear or anxiety about getting a blood test, experts recommend discussing your concerns with your health care provider beforehand.
“We see many people who are anxious about needles and blood, and we can help calm them down,” the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center said in a statement.
“Some people prefer to schedule their fasting first thing in the morning to keep the fast overnight and have less of an impact on daily life.”
“I typically prepare patients for what results to expect and when they can expect to see me or receive a phone call to discuss the results,” Bassager said. .
“We also tell patients that they will always be contacted about their results, even if they are normal, so if they don't hear anything, they should call us.”
If you have fear or anxiety about getting a blood test, experts recommend discussing your concerns with your health care provider beforehand. (St. Petersburg)
You can continue your normal daily life from the day before the blood test. However, if your doctor tells you to fast, you should avoid eating or drinking anything other than plain water for 8 to 12 hours before your blood test, Basager said.
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“Some people prefer to schedule their fasting first thing in the morning to keep the fast overnight and have less of an impact on daily life,” she says.
Fasting is only required for certain blood tests, so it's important to check with your doctor.
Drinking plenty of water before your appointment will help prepare your veins and make it easier for the technician to draw your blood. (St. Petersburg)
If you don't need to fast, it's a good idea to eat or drink something before your blood is drawn to prevent lightheadedness, Basager said.
“If you start to feel dizzy, tell the technician so he can lie down and get you some snacks and water,” the doctor said.
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Drinking plenty of water before your appointment will help prepare your veins and make it easier for the technician to draw your blood, she added.
Tips for smarter planning
Blood will be drawn from your arm, so please wear clothing that allows the technician access to your arm.
“Layering is a great way to stay warm while making blood tests easier,” Basager suggested.
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Feeling prepared is a good way to combat anxiety. Please plan to arrive on time for your appointment and bring your photo ID and insurance card.
If you're fasting, you can bring snacks, water, or coffee to drink immediately after you're done, the doctor advised.
Experts agree that a blood test takes just a few minutes and is usually painless. (St. Petersburg)
If you feel more comfortable, bring a relative or friend or listen to music on headphones to distract yourself from the needle, the same source suggests.
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Keep in mind that getting a blood test only takes a few minutes and is usually painless, experts agree.
