they want to take blood!!?

Question

im going to start on a new med soon and they want to check my blood before to makes sure everything is ok(example, they said they want to check my platelets).......would they do a prick or have to actually fill up a big plastic thing with it?? im terrified of needles and blood! i will be nervous either way, but i would rather they do the prick on the finger then go to a vein in my arm with a needle!!

Answer 1

The bad news is, the phlebotomist (or nurse) will have to use a needle to draw enough blood for the tests. While a finger stick probably would be sufficient for counting red blood cells and getting a hematocrit (percentage of cell volume to whole blood volume), it's simply not enough to do what's called a manual or automated differential; counting all of the different populations of cells that make up your red and white blood cells.

Additionally, you're about to start a new medication and that sometimes requires what's called "serum chemistry." Chemistry tests your electrolytes, proteins, etc. that are in your blood and these values provide a clear picture for your physician to accurately prescribe the right drug at the correct dose. The minimum volumes of serum required to perform these tests makes it necessary to collect between 10 and 20cc's of whole blood - far more than a finger stick could provide.

If you're very worried about the procedure, explain your anxiety to the technician that will be drawing your blood so they can take extra care and precautions during your blood draw. This is important - you don't want to get a nasty bump on the head because you fell down after passing out during the procedure! On the lighter side, most nurses are really, really good at drawing blood so it should only take about 15-20 seconds to collect what they need and take the needle away.

Answer 2

I think that everyone shares your fear, in fact, I cannot think of anyone who likes to get stuck with a needle. Me included. I was involved in an accident a few years ago and had numerous IV's and had a fixed line in order to draw blood on a regular basis. This fixed line ended in times where the vein just gave out and collapsed, ending in having a new one inserted. I am not saying this to scare you, although I am sure that I am at this point, but listen on.

Keep in mind that I was very scared of being pricked by a needle. It got to the point where my veins where all used up in my hands and arms and they tried my legs, to no avail. I had this one nurse who tried and tried and could not get a vein to work and said that I was such a trooper and apologized to me so many times. Although it was a little uncomfortable, it was far from being unbearable. I felt worse for her as she felt so bad. She finally had to find another nurse who was an expert at this, and she truly was as she tapped a vein in no time.

The point I am making is that it really is not that bad. Don't look if you don't want to and you will get through it. Tell your doctor about your fears so that you can get one of those experts. I suspect you will go into this with great fear but walk away from it saying......"What was I so afraid of? That was nothing".

I do wish you the best of luck and try not to be too apprehensive about this, it is not that bad of an ordeal.

Answer 3

To take a blood sample, it needs a needle and a syringe. It is not so painful, just a little prick and it is all done. A blood sample of about 5-10 ml will be taken. Personally I prefer a blood to be taken from my forearm area (I feel less pain in this area). You may also request for a butterfly IV needle- it is pretty small used for children and a bit less painful.

If you are too scared, feel free to tell your doctor and inform also the person who will extract the blood. Do not look while the blood is withdrawn and just try to distract your attention.

Answer 4

get used to it...it will be a life long thing done often.....