Blood tests are one of the most common diagnostic tests that allow doctors to get information about their patient’s general health. Their results help in the detection of diseases. Most people will have several blood tests in their lifetime. In the following post, we have put together some useful information on how to prepare for them.
Food and drink before blood tests
Blood sampling is usually done on an empty stomach and it is advised that you do not consume any food, including fruit juices, for 9 hours prior to the sampling. If you are not having an urgent blood test, it is advisable to eat lighter foods for a few days. There are occasions, for example during hormone tests, when it is not absolutely necessary to starve yourself.
Fluid should be replenished, and clean water is best choice.
This will help the blood vessels to be found more easily by professionals. Do not drink alcohol before the test.
Exercise before the blood test
It is not a good idea to put your body through excessive physical exertion, sport or work before the blood test, as this may affect the results.
Medications
If you are taking any medicines, take them at the times and in the doses prescribed by your doctor. However, if you are taking anticoagulants, make sure you tell our colleague.
Disease and blood sampling
We recommend that in the case of certain symptoms, you should postpone blood tests in consultation with your doctor.
Blood collection process
Blood is usually taken from a vein in the arm, with a small amount of blood being drawn. In children, samples may be taken from the back of the hand, but for some special tests, a drop or two of blood from the fingertip may be sufficient. The first step is to disinfect the puncture site and apply a tourniquet to the upper arm.
This temporarily slows down the blood flow and causes the vein to swell, making it easier to take the sample. After the procedure, the tourniquet is released and the needle is removed. Finally, a cotton swab is pressed onto the puncture site for a few minutes.
What can I expect after blood sampling?
Only a small amount of blood is taken during the sampling, so no serious after-effects are expected. Some people may feel dizzy and faint during and after the test. If this has happened to you before, it is best to tell the person taking the blood sample before the blood test. After the blood test, you may have some minor bruising or purple spots at the puncture site; these are harmless and will fade over the next few days.
What do we check after blood sampling?
For example, our Complete blood count package includes:
White blood cells (lymphocytes, granulocytes, monocytes) play an important role in the body’s immune defense. Information about their types and function can be obtained from the differential blood count. Changes in their quantity and quality provide information about infections, inflammatory processes or hematological disorders.
Platelets (thrombocytes), which are formed in the bone marrow, play a major role in blood clotting. A platelet test can provide information about possible hemophilia or increased blood clot formation.
Red blood cells transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body by their hemoglobin (HGB) content. Changes in their number can be caused by bone marrow dysfunction (e.g. tumors, chemotherapy), nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin deficiencies), bleeding (internal bleeding, menstruation). Their number may also increase with prolonged stays at altitude.
What you need to know about HR-Pharma?
HR- Pharma Ltd., based in Szeged, was founded by its owners with the aim of providing quality testing for the modern man. The range of services is adapted to the needs of people. At present, test packages with a total of 200 test parameters (blood sampling, laboratory tests, laboratory tests, allergy tests) are at the service of the interested parties. Samples are measured locally and immediately using professional machinery, so there is no need to transport them to other sites. Our team is dedicated, motivated and people-oriented from the very beginning. We have no queues, appointments are booked at short notice and results are available within 24 hours. We look forward to hearing from you!
We recommend our basic packages, which you can view here.
HR-Pharma’s qualified team is waiting for you every day of the week in Szeged, at Jobb fasor 12.
E-mail: info@hr-pharma.hu
Telephone (7.00-15.00 on weekdays): +36203578281