Step-By-Step Guide on Taking Blood Samples

Taking blood samples might seem like a little thing. But it tells doctors everything about what is going on in your body. Collecting a blood sample is a quick, effective, and more important process than most of us realise.

The procedure for taking blood samples starts by preparing the patient. Then, doctors gather tools and collect blood into a tube. It takes only 2-3 minutes to draw blood. Yet, it can show infections, vitamin deficiencies and other imbalances.

In this blog, we will walk you through the step-by-step guide for taking blood samples, the tools needed and how to get the results. So, let’s get started.

Why Do Doctors Take Blood Samples

Blood tests allow us to know what is going on with our bodies easily. Doctors can determine whether or not we have any diseases or deficiencies with a simple blood test of our body. And here is why doctors do it:

• Regular physical checkup: The most common reason for blood sample drawing is a regular checkup. It gives a clear overview of your health and detects the potential risks.
• Diagnose medical condition: A regular blood test, doctors can detect infections, anaemia, thyroid disorder and even blood cancer. Therefore, it allows the patient to take the right step at a time.
• Monitor treatment effectiveness: Doctors take blood samples to monitor the treatment as well. It allows to keep track of whether the medication is working well or not. In this way, they can adjust the medicine level.
• Monitor blood sugar level: A Blood test also helps to monitor the sugar level. People with diabetes or insulin resistance take a simple test and measure their glucose level. It helps to keep them healthy according to their body.
• Checking nutritional status: The regular test monitors the nutritional status in the body as well. It reveals the deficiency or imbalance of iron, calcium, vitamin B12 or D.
• Scanning organ function: Doctors also perform blood tests to scan the organs. It allows to assess kidneys, liver, and heart to see if they are functioning well.

How to Prepare to Take Blood Samples

Before taking the blood samples, the doctors prepare the patients properly. It helps minimise the risks. Additionally, the preparation helps ensure accurate results. However, the preparation greatly varies depending on the type of blood test. So, it is very important to follow the doctor’s advice before doing the test.

According to the NHS, doctors recommend not eating or drinking other than water. They sometimes forbid taking certain medicines and supplements before the test.

In addition to preparing the patients, doctors and nurses also assemble the necessary tools for blood draws. They sterilise the tools and select the site of venipuncture. Again nurse explains the process well and helps them to keep calm.

Tools to Draw Blood

Phlebotomists use different tools to draw blood. The tools make the blood collection process easier and safer. Here are the tools that nurses use for taking blood samples:

• Tourniquet: The tourniquet helps doctors find the right vein easily. It makes the process safe, easy and much less painful.
• Alcohol pads: After selecting the vein, doctors and nurses rub alcohol pads on the skin. It allows them to make the area clean and germ-free.
• Syringes: Then the doctors insert the syringe into the vein. After inserting the needle securely, they draw back blood with it.
• Blood collection tube: It is placed at the end of the needle tubing. Into the blood collection tube, phlebotomists store the blood and send it for further processing.
• Gloves: Doctors and nurses use sterile safety gloves while performing the venipuncture. It allows for to minimise of the risk of infection.
• Adhesive bandages: Sometimes, doctors use adhesive tapes or bandages to secure the needle. In this way, they can easily take the blood.

How to Take Blood Samples – Step-by-Step Guideline

Blood taking is a very quick process. It takes between 2-3 minutes, as stated by WebMD. Yet, sometimes it can take 4-5 minutes. It not only makes the process smoother, but it also minimises risks of damage as well.

Here’s the process that medical staff go through to draw blood:

Preparation

First of all, doctors put together the equipment and the patient. They verifies the patient’s identity and explain the whole procedure. It allows the patient to stay calm and minimise any risk. Together with that, they wash their hands properly and gather the necessary equipment carefully.

Again, doctors suggest the patient not eat heavy foods before the test. They must stop taking certain medications to prevent blood clotting during the test.

Site Selection and Cleaning

After the preparation, nurses or phlebotomists select the vein or site to take blood. In general, doctors recommend the inner elbow to perform venipuncture.

They apply a tourniquet to make veins more visible. When the vein is properly visible, nurses clean the area with a 70% alcohol cotton pad. They use it in a circular motion for 30 seconds. Then they leave the area to air dry and kill the germs.

Inserting Needle

Following that, they insert the needle at a 30-degree angle or less into the vein (Reports NCBI). It helps to insert and place the needle swiftly. The blood flow through the tube ensures that the needle is perfectly placed.

Collecting Blood

Thereafter, phlebotomists collect the blood into the collection tube. They perform the whole process very gently to reduce any pain or harm to the patient. Once they collect enough blood, the staff removes the needle and covers the area with a cotton pad.

Post-procedure Care

Thereafter, the medical staff removes the tourniquet. Sometimes, they apply gentle pressure on the cotton pad covering the needle insertion area. Additionally, they sometimes place a bandage over the site. Nurses observe the patient briefly and ensure they feel well before leaving.

Want to start your career as a phlebotomist? Learn How to Start a Career as a Phlebotomy Trainee in the UK with our blog!

How to Get Blood Test Results

After providing the blood samples, the patient may receive the results after a few days. However, sometimes, it can take up to a week, depending on the variation of tests. They can get the result in their hands or access it through the online websites of that clinic.

If you have given the samples, when you get your blood test result, you must consult a doctor or make an appointment. They will explain to you everything what to do next. The result will show if you have any issues or not.

However, if the result shows fine, you may need to do some other tests to find the problem. So, you must talk to the healthcare staff and follow their guidelines.

Final Words

Taking blood samples is an important part of modern healthcare. It helps to locate diseases or issues. Although, it is a simple process but provides the most valuable data to take further steps.

Moreover, collecting blood requires a careful step-by-step procedure to ensure the accuracy. By following the proper steps and preparation guide, medical staffs makes the process quick and effective.

FAQs

1) Why are blood samples taken?

Mainly, blood samples are taken to diagnose any diseases in the body. It gives an overall picture of the organs, if they are functioning well or not. Also, blood test allows for monitoring blood sugar levels and checking nutritional status. However, donors sometimes also need to undergo a blood test before donating blood.

2) What are the steps for taking blood sample?

For drawing blood samples, doctors keep it very short and minimal. It helps to keep the patient calm during the process. First, they prepare the patient and gather the equipment they need. Nurses and phlebotomists make sure the tools are sterilised.

Then, they find a vein and insert the needle at a 30-degree angle. Following that, they collect blood samples into a tube and gently remove the needle. Moreover, doctors maintain proper hygiene guidelines while taking blood.

3) Does giving a blood sample hurt?

Not really. The venipuncture or blood sample drawing process doesn’t hurt that much. You can feel a sharp pinch-like pain while inserting the needle. Yet, some people can feel some discomfort from nerves under the skin. Sometimes, the phlebotomist has trouble finding the vein, which can create some discomfort as well.

4) How long does it take to get blood test results?

You can get a blood test result between 24 hours to a week. The Healthline states it varies depending on the type of your test. You can get it after a short wait as well. Again, some tests that need specialised monitoring can even take several weeks to get the result.

5) Who collects blood samples?

The phlebotomists are professionally trained to collect blood samples. Primarily, they take blood samples in clinics, hospitals and other healthcare settings. Nurses draw blood in hospitals and clinics as well. Together with that, doctors take blood samples as well.

6) What can affect a blood test?

Eating heavy foods, drinking too much water, and taking some medicines can affect the blood test. It can cause blood clots while taking blood samples. So, doctors recommend fasting before drawing blood for some tests.