Does being hydrated make it easier to draw blood?

Being well-hydrated makes it far easier for the person who is taking the patient's blood to find a vein that can easily be punctured and far easier for the patient because their veins will be much easier to find and access, explained Simmers.

northbay.org - How to Prepare to Have Your Blood Drawn - NorthBay Healthcare

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One of the most important things you can do to prepare for having your blood drawn, is to make sure you are well hydrated. “If you're having blood drawn, unless you've been told not to eat or drink anything by your provider make sure you are well-hydrated,” says Jerry Simmers, director of laboratory services at NorthBay Healthcare. “A ‘fasting’ blood sample normally means no food and flavored drinks for 12 hours, because it may affect some lab tests such as glucose or cholesterol, however drinking water does not affect the results of those tests,” he noted Being well-hydrated makes it far easier for the person who is taking the patient’s blood to find a vein that can easily be punctured and far easier for the patient because their veins will be much easier to find and access, explained Simmers. Ideally, start drinking more fluids the day before your blood draw, and continue to drink water before you have your blood drawn. Excessive amounts aren't necessary; most sources ecommend that an adult drink 64 ounces of water per day for good health, which is more than adequate for having your blood drawn. Limit caffeine, which acts as a mild diuretic increases the amount of urine you produce.

Simmers offered the following tips for patients:

1. Breathe

Don't hold your breath while your blood is being drawn. Some people hold their breath in anticipation of the insertion of the needle, which doesn't help at all if you're feeling faint. Keep breathing at your normal rate and depth, and you'll be far less likely to feel lightheaded during a blood draw.

2. Be Honest

If you are someone who has fainted in the past when donating blood or having your blood drawn, be sure to tell the person who will be drawing your blood. If there is the slightest chance of fainting during a blood draw, positioning is key. Both of NorthBay’s laboratories have special chairs that completely recline and allow you to lie down during the blood draw.

3. Don't Look

If having your blood drawn makes you feel queasy, don't watch while your blood is drawn. For some, the sight of blood is the problem, so not watching while blood is collected can easily solve that problem. Look away, and concentrate on whatever will distract you from the procedure.

4. Sit Still

If you're moving and wiggling while someone is attempting to draw your blood, it's likely that he will have to make more attempts to obtain the sample. Sit as still as possible. Even if you are nervous, it's important to refrain from wiggling and fidgeting or you could potentially add to the number of pokes required to draw your blood.

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What not to do after getting blood drawn?

Recommendations After Blood Collection Avoid tight or restrictive clothing on the arm. If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure with your fingers directly over the needle site. Avoid strenuous use of the arm eg sports or heavy lifting. More items...

clinicallabs.com.au - After Care Instructions - Australian Clinical Labs

Recommendations After Blood Collection

To reduce the likelihood of side effects such as bleeding, discomfort, swelling or bruising, please follow these simple precautions.

Leave the dressing strip in place for 30 minutes to an hour.

For the Rest of the Day

Avoid tight or restrictive clothing on the arm

If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure with your fingers directly over the needle site

Avoid strenuous use of the arm eg sports or heavy lifting

If you have discomfort or swelling of the arm, elevate your arm and place ice over the site for 10 minutes. Rest the arm as much as possible.

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