Photo: Anete Lusina

How can I calm down my blood test?

4 ways to stay calm during a blood test Communicate your concerns. Distraction is your best friend. Stay hydrated and fill your belly. Keep warm.

nuffieldhealth.com - 4 ways to stay calm during a blood test - Nuffield Health

What is the most common site for lymphoma?

The most common sites are in the chest, neck, or under the arms. Hodgkin lymphoma most often spreads through the lymph vessels from lymph node to...

Last updated Apr 13, 2022

How often should you wash your hair?

Rossi generally tells his patients they should wash their hair once or twice per week. But if you've had chemical treatments that can make your...

Last updated Aug 28, 2020

Promotion

While it’s true that blood tests are quick, safe and usually painless, they’re not always easy to face. That’s because many of us suffer from a phobia of needles (trypanophobia) or blood (haemophobia) and it's little comfort to be told your fear is simply irrational. Instead, here are four easy ways to make the experience a little easier, so you can get the tests you need: Communicate your concerns If you’re anxious about blood tests, the best thing you can do is let your phlebotomist (the person taking your blood) know. Try to put your embarrassment aside and let them help you through it. Give them details about experiences in the past where it’s been difficult to draw blood, or you’ve felt faint or nauseated. It’s likely they’ve heard it before and know how to help. If you feel faint they can recline your chair or take your blood while you lie on a couch or bed. Distraction is your best friend Anxiety builds when you obsessively overthink a situation. During a blood test, distract yourself by any means possible. The key to this is never looking at the needle. Here are a few suggestions: Watch a video or listen to music on your phone and close your eyes

Bring a friend who’ll keep you engaged in conversation

Visualise being somewhere else. Close your eyes and take yourself to the beach or somewhere relaxing.

Stay hydrated and fill your belly

First, ask if your test requires a period of fasting. If it does, try to fast for the minimum time allowed. If it’s 12 hours, book your test for first thing in the morning so you’re only skipping one meal. Most blood tests don’t require fasting so make sure you’re well fed and have had plenty of water. Low blood sugar, a consequence of skipping meals, can contribute to feeling faint, while dehydration lowers the amount of available fluid in your body and can make it more difficult to draw blood. Drinking plenty of water promotes fuller veins and brings them closer to the surface for easier access.

Keep warm

Low temperatures shrink your veins, making it difficult for the phlebotomist to find an appropriate location to insert the needle. This can draw out the process and make you more nervous. If you’re a typically cold person, or outside temperatures are low, do everything you can to stay warm and get circulation flowing. Wear warm clothing and go for a brisk walk before your appointment.

Video transcript

How many Litres is 8 glasses of water?

2 liters Health experts commonly recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon a day. Nov 8, 2016

Last updated Sep 16, 2018

Can bananas lower blood pressure?

Bananas. Bananas contain potassium, which can help manage hypertension. One medium-sized banana contains around 422 milligrams (mg) of potassium....

Last updated Aug 1, 2018

Promotion

How big is one sperm?

Well, sperm cells are actually really tiny. In fact, they are some of the smallest cells in the human body, and measure just 0.005cm. Feb 17, 2021

Last updated Apr 8, 2019

What is Superman syndrome?

Superman syndrome, also known as 47, XYY, is a condition classified as a chromosomal aneuploidy (which is an abnormality in chromosome structure...

Last updated Aug 16, 2018

Promotion

Does cocoa keep one awake?

MYTH BUSTER: 'Isn't there caffeine in hot chocolate?' Technically, yes. But unless you've ordered a 'Mocha' (an espresso, hot milk and cocoa powder...

Last updated Oct 13, 2020

Promotion

What does 90% dark chocolate do for you?

Dark chocolate is packed full of important minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc, copper and phosphorus. In your body, these minerals are used...

Last updated Apr 17, 2020