Q&A for How to Prepare for a Blood Test

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What is the best time to get your blood test done?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

Usually the morning is good, especially if you are required to fast beforehand.

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Question

Does it hurt as much as getting a shot?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

It is comparable to getting a shot, but the stick (depending on the skill of the phlebotomist) might be less.

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How do I check for Hepatitis C if my veins are collapsed?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

You will need to find a phlebotomist that has experience with people that have collapsed veins.

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Are the medications Lamictal and Risperadone acceptable?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

Yes, they should be acceptable for a standard blood test like a CMP or BMP.

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Question

How can I avoid a bruise after getting my blood drawn?

Matt Garcia
Phlebotomist
Matt Garcia is an experienced phlebotomist in Vancouver, Canada. He holds a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Assistance and is certified under the British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science. He previously worked in a high-volume outpatient lab and is currently employed in an acute care hospital and Level III trauma center in downtown Vancouver.

Matt Garcia

Phlebotomist

Expert Answer

Some bruising is normal, but if to minimize it, hold firm pressure on the gauze for at least 2 minutes afterwards—longer if you are taking blood thinners or are diagnosed with hemophilia or some other bleeding disorder. Try not to bend your arm back to hold the gauze in place after the phlebotomist takes the needle out, as this disrupts the clotting process, and avoid strenuous exercise for a few hours, as this could cause bruising.

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