Can anyone tell me what getting blood drawn is like? (Besides them sticking a needle in your arm and taking blood out, of course). I've never had one done before and the truth is, I am extremely scared of needles. I think it might ease my fear a little if I knew exactly what was going to happen beforehand.
When I get vaccinations, I feel even more anxious if I don't look at the needle going in my arm because I hate not knowing when it's coming.
2006-08-14 13:42:05 · 7 answers · asked by poprocks24 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
How much do they draw from you?
2006-08-14 13:51:55 · update #1
Ahhh, it's nothing. Don't worry about it.
Just be sure to keep breathing while they're doing it...especially when the needle first goes in. Some people are so scared of needles, that they stop breathing without realizing it and the rush of adrenaline they get when the needle goes in makes them faint.
It's just a little pinch...they don't actually suck the blood out or anything - they stick the needle into a vein and just let it sit there for about 5 to 10 seconds and the blood automatically pumps into the vial they have attached to the needle. It really doesn't hurt at all.
Just remember to stay calm, keep breathing and know that no one has EVER died from having blood drawn and you'll be okay, I promise. :)
2006-08-14 13:49:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's really no big deal these days. You will feel one tiny prick then the nurse/tech will simply put a few different vacume tubes to the end of the needle and draw out your blood. Ask them to tell you right before they stick but don't watch. If my brother watches he faints. I just had it done last week and I too hate needles. A finger prick is worse than drawing blood from your arm. A shot is worse because most of the time it's given in the muscle. Going into the vein is a lot less painful.
2006-08-14 20:50:20 · answer #2 · answered by k9resq 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I draw blood at the doctors office where I work, what I do is first look at the arms and see which one is best, next clean the area with an alcohol swab, put the tourniquet on, (while doing this I'm talking with the person and making jokes putting them at ease) I then have them look away and insert the needle, I will also ask if they would like to lay down first just in case they become light headed and dont be afraid to ask if you feel you need too. I use butterflies for my blood draws which are smaller and easier for me to use. Don't worry you will be fine.
2006-08-14 20:51:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anna Z 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is not a lot to it. There is a little pressure on the arm and then they are done. They take 1-2 vials of blood depending on what needs to be done and you are out of there with a bandage on the arm.
Best wishes in going and getting this done.
2006-08-14 21:57:57 · answer #4 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
theres really not much to tell, they wrap the rubber tubing around your arm, tie it, tell you to make a fist and stick the needle in and draw blood, takes about 1 min. just dont look at the nurse when she does it. You will be fine.
2006-08-14 20:48:15 · answer #5 · answered by Mom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask the lab technican to use a "butterfly needle". they're very small but effective. it won't hurt. just look away and engage him or her in conversation to take your mind off the blood draw and most of all RELAX.
2006-08-14 20:53:44 · answer #6 · answered by CG2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
concentrate on breathing and don't look at the needle going in. you will feel the needle but try not to concentrate on it (concentrate on your breathing) and it will be over before you know it.
2006-08-14 20:51:52 · answer #7 · answered by mary 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋