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Having a blood test

Date issued: July 2022

Review date: July 2024

Ref: C-501/PP/LDT/Having a blood test

PDF:  Having a blood test final July 2022.pdf [pdf] 551KB

Having a blood test

Your doctor has asked that you have a blood test.

Your blood will be checked to see why you are feeling poorly.

Doctors, nurses and special health workers called phlebotomists can take your blood.

Feeling scared or nervous

Lots of people are scared of needles and worry about having to have blood tests done.

It is important to tell whoever is taking your blood if you are anxious.

Sometimes it helps to lie down whilst your blood is being taken.

The medical staff can also numb the area with a special freeze spray or cream so you don’t feel the needle going in.

What happens during a blood test

The person who is taking your blood will ask you to take off a coat or jumper so they can get to your arm.

You will be asked to relax your arm. You may be given a pillow to rest it on.

A tight band will be put around your arm just above your elbow. This is called a tourniquet. 

The tourniquet helps your veins to stand out which make them easier to find.

Your arm will be wiped to make the skin sterile (really clean).

The person will probably say “sharp scratch” so you know the needle is going in. Try to relax as tensing up can make it hurt.

What happens next

Your blood is collected in a special bottle.

Although it looks like a lot it really isn't!

The person taking your blood will take the tourniquet off your arm. You may be given a  small dressing to wear for a short time after.

Your blood bottle will be labelled with your name and details and sent off to a lab.

There they will look at your blood to see if they can find out why you have felt unwell.

Your results will be sent to your doctor. Your doctor will explain your results to you.

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