Everyone has to get their blood drawn from time to time, especially patients receiving home health care services through a supportive community. Routine bloodwork helps doctors monitor health and determine when changes in treatment may be needed.
Many people still feel stressed or uncomfortable during the process. These tips can help make your next blood draw at home or at a lab more manageable, safer, and less overwhelming.
Following instructions may seem obvious, but it is one of the most important parts of preparing for a blood draw. Not every test has requirements, but some do. One of the most common is fasting, which means you should not eat or drink anything before the appointment.
Always ask your home health nurse, case manager, or doctor’s office at least one day before the appointment if your specific test requires fasting or any other preparation. Not following the correct instructions can cause the blood draw to be delayed or repeated.
You may also have to stop taking a medication or two temporarily for the test. If this applies to you, your care team will give clear instructions ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect.
There are several things that you can do to make your next blood draw easier for yourself and your nurse or phlebotomist.
Some patients are considered a “hard stick,” meaning their veins are more difficult to access. One of the simplest ways to help is to drink plenty of water before the appointment, which increases blood volume and makes veins easier to locate, reducing discomfort during the draw.
Wear a short-sleeved top or clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up easily. Let your nurse know if you have a preferred arm or a specific spot where blood draws have been successful in the past.
If your test does not require fasting, make sure to eat a balanced meal that includes carbohydrates or protein. This can help prevent light-headedness after the draw.
Being poked with a needle is never pleasant, and many people feel nervous before a blood draw. The needle may pinch, and the tourniquet can feel tight.
Tell your nurse or phlebotomist ahead of time if you feel anxious so they can support you and explain each step. Helpful techniques may include:
The average draw takes only a few minutes. Reminding yourself that the discomfort is temporary can help you stay calm.
Home health nurses, therapists, aides, and case managers play an important role in supporting patients who need home health services for support and monitoring. For families in Colorado, Voyager Home Health Care is known for providing compassionate in-home support and for being the highest-rated and highest-paying IHSS community in the state.
If you want to learn more about how Voyager supports caregivers through programs like IHSS and Parent CNA, you can visit our Colorado IHSS page.
To learn more about how Voyager Home Health helps patients in the Denver, CO, area, reach out to us today at (719)-401-5654.
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