The blood in your body is responsible for carrying oxygen, body fluids, minerals, and nutrients to the different body parts. So, when your body is affected by any disease, inflammation, or infection, it will produce chemicals for notifying your system. And that is when you will book a blood test for your health condition to be diagnosed by a doctor. However, before you book your blood sample collection at home, you should know some things. Let’s take a quick look at them.
Good Lab
Before you even book a blood test, you should check the lab’s certification, credentials, and reputation. The methodology, process, and system that a lab follows significantly determine the authenticity of the blood test report that you would be receiving. Therefore you should look for certified and trusted labs. For example, labs having CAP and NABL certifications follow proper protocols.
Blood Test Type
Have a basic understanding of the type of blood sample collection at home you have booked. There can be minute changes among two similar blood tests, and if you do not know the difference, you can book the wrong test. Besides, different types of blood tests aim at understanding different problems individually. For example, blood culture tests detect infections, while blood profile tests diagnose various medical reasons.
Fasting
The nutrients in drinks and food can alter the parameters measured by getting into the bloodstream and hamper the results. However, you are allowed to drink water and keep yourself hydrated. Therefore, for some types of full body checkup at home, the doctor might ask you to fast for almost 8-12 hours before the blood test. Some tests that require fasting include iron studies, vitamin B12, kidney function tests, lipid profile, blood glucose test, and others. In case you have mistakenly eaten or drank anything, reschedule the test.
Hygiene
The phlebotomist should sanitize his hands and use new hand gloves before collecting the blood sample. By following proper hygiene protocols, the phlebotomist would eliminate any chances of you getting the infection of other people from whom they have collected blood samples before. A used syringe is also a common mode of bacteria and virus transfer that can lead to dreaded diseases like Hepatitis and HIV. You should check that the syringe used is entirely new.
Medication
When you opt for certain blood tests for your full body checkup at home, you might have to discontinue some medicines before your sample collection. That’s because certain medicines and supplements can alter the test report. Hence, inform your doctor about the type of medicines you are currently on, such as supplements, vitamins, and even over-the-counter medicines. In case you have forgotten to inform your doctor about your medication, you can even talk to your lab technician for the same.
Immediate Precaution
Patients sometimes show sudden reactions when the syringe is pricked on their skin. This usually involves reddening skin, swelling, or the warm area. Patients would require immediate care once the sample is collected in such cases. You can use ice packs to reduce any reactions. However, if that is not working, talk to your doctor about the same.
Wrapping Up
By remembering the points mentioned above, you can easily prepare yourself for any kind of blood test that your doctor has prescribed you. Besides these, you can also talk to your doctor to be aware of any other factors that you should know about. Nevertheless, remember to keep yourself calm when you are giving your blood sample, and you will be good to go.
