How To Hydrate Quickly For Blood Draw

Jerry Simmers, Special to the Daily Republic

As you historic period, your need for regular medical testing ordinarily increases. Blood testing is helpful when it comes to evaluating many common wellness issues that affect aging adults.

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for having your blood drawn, is to make certain you are well-hydrated.

A "fasting" claret sample normally means no food and flavored drinks for 12 hours, because it may touch on some lab tests such every bit glucose or cholesterol, however drinking h2o does not impact the results of those tests.

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

Ideally, starting time drinking more than fluids the day before your claret describe. Excessive amounts aren't necessary; near sources recommend that an adult drink 64 ounces of water per day for adept health, which is more than than adequate for having your claret fatigued. Limit caffeine, which acts as a mild diuretic and increases the amount of urine you produce.

Hither are some other tips to proceed in mind:

one. Breathe

Don't hold your breath while your blood is being fatigued. 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 animate at your normal rate and depth and you'll be far less likely to feel airheaded 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 claret. If there is the slightest adventure of fainting during a blood draw, positioning is key. Special chairs that completely recline and allow you to lie down during the blood depict are available.

3. Don't expect

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

4. Sit notwithstanding

If you're moving and wiggling while someone is attempting to draw your blood, it'southward likely that he volition have to make more attempts to obtain the sample. Sit equally yet every bit possible. Even if you are nervous, information technology'southward important to refrain from fluctuant and fidgeting or you could potentially add to the number of pokes required to describe your blood.

Jerry Simmers is managing director of laboratory services at NorthBay Healthcare.