Preparation For Blood Work and Testing (And The Wait That Follows)

By Amber Blackburn, RN

4 min read

It seems like every time I go into the doctor anymore they want to order more testing. Blood work, X-rays, CT scans, etc. Half of which I haven’t heard of, and others that I’ve had tested what feels like a hundred times. Like my lupus labs. I know every time I see my rheumatologist I need to have lab work done. I don’t mind the testing, don’t get me wrong. It just brings on a feeling of dread. A feeling that many of you probably know quite well.

Dealing with dread

The procedure itself doesn’t usually bring on the feeling of dread. For me the dread surrounding labs and scans first comes from the need for an IV, or to be stuck for a blood draw. Once that’s over you’d think that feeling of dread would be gone. It’s not. Instead it has just changed, from the anxiety/dread of needing to be poked. To the anxiety of waiting for the results. Which I’m sure many of you can relate too.

If I know I am going to see my rheumatologist I know to expect to get blood work and that I’ll need to leave a urine analysis (UA). So for those appointments, I know how to prepare as best I can so that the blood work doesn’t turn into being a pin cushion. (I’ll share how I prepare in just a bit.) Since losing my port and not being a good candidate for a new one, it seems like 7 out of 10 times I'm going to end up bruised and battered. Like I’ve been in a fight, not just the lab.

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That said, if I’m going in to see another doctor who has never required blood work specifically, I don’t usually come prepared for a lab draw. Which in turn may make the visit that much more frustrating. When they can’t get it on the first stick, second, or sometimes third time, I usually just end up frustrated and angry. Because telling you I am a very hard stick, doesn’t turn my blood draw into a sport of sorts. To see who can get me.

What can you do to prepare for a lab draw or IV?

So what do I do to prepare for appointments that I know I'll have to get blood drawn? Or to lab-only appointments?

Hydrate. Drink, drink, drink. Some people will say they only need to chug some water like an hour before their lab appointment. For me, due to my severe lack of veins, I drink a LOT of water all day, the day before. My normal intake is 60-80 oz a day. I try to drink 100-120 oz the day before a lab draw.
Discuss veins. If you know that your veins roll, if they are deep, or if certain veins blow it is good to let the tech know. Most will find this to be helpful so they don’t have to stick you multiple times. Because honestly we don’t enjoy sticking you multiple times any more than you liked being poked multiple times.
Choose appropriate clothing. Wearing loose clothing that is easy to push up to allow access to your arms is a big help. I usually wear a loose fitting t-shirt. Or when it’s cold I layer so I can give them access to my full arm. It gives the phlebotomist access to more possible opportunities.
Communicate. It is very important to communicate with the person drawing your blood/starting IV if you have a fear of needles. Or if you are prone to passing out. If you are, they need to be prepared in case you do indeed pass out.

What to do after lab/testing is done

Have patience. I know waiting for results can feel like the longest period of time ever. But try to be patient and wait for the doctor's office to call/contact you. Offices triage phone calls in order of contacting those with emergency/urgent issues. To those who just have a simple question that doesn’t need a response immediately, if your labs are okay you will likely fall to the bottom of the callback list. The more emails and phone calls you make can slow down the process.
Don't use Google for results. The biggest thing you can do is protect your peace. It is so easy when you get an alert that your test results are back to hop on Google. To look and see what the test result means. But that is the LAST THING you should do. You are more likely to cause yourself more unnecessary anxiety and worry than finding your answer. Your result may appear positive to the untrained eye, but due to one of the conditions you have, it may not be a bad thing for you specifically. When you get on the internet you will find the good, bad, and ugly about said test result. So try and wait for the doctor to call/message you with results, before you start trusting what people on the internet or Google has to say. Especially when living with lupus, we all know that lupus can cause all kinds of problems.

Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Lupus.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Itsdebs Member
Is there anything I can do before my lab work to get more accurate results? 
1. Amber Blackburn, RN Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Erin Rush" user-id="8414420"/> I’m one of the weird ones that no matter how bad my lupus is flaring or how bad I’m feeling, my labs rarely reflect that. We still check with every appt. But I’m just an odd ball. Amber RN, BSN, Team Member 
2. Racquel H. Dozier Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Itsdebs" user-id="6911880"/> I think one thing you can do is to keep a medical journal so you can have a history of what’s been going on even if your labs are good. It’s a small step that can really help to keep your doctor well informed and knowledgeable of what else is going on beyond the labs. ~Racquel~ team member
shannonjac439189 Member
I always have trouble at the lab with blood draws. They have a portable ultrasound machine in that they can use for people that is a hard stick.
1. Amber Blackburn, RN Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="shannonjac439189" user-id="2043954"/> those ultrasounds can be life saving. That sounds dramatic I know. But when you need blood or IV access and someone who is a super hard stick. Having access to an ultrasound is fantastic! Sadly they are pricey so not all labs/emergency rooms/hospitals have one. Amber RN, BSN, Team Member 
2. Racquel H. Dozier Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="shannonjac439189" user-id="2043954"/> the draws can definitely be difficult. I love the machine that shows the veins has it worked well for you? ~Racquel~ team member
shannonjac439189 Member
I first learned about them when I was in the emergency room back in 2016 or 17, when they used one on a patient. They are starting to get them in different patient care setting. I mentioned it at a place that I go to for routinely for my MRI's, and now they have one. They have a Tech that does only that.
1. Amber Blackburn, RN Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="shannonjac439189" user-id="2043954"/> that’s awesome that the facility you frequent was able to get one. They, like so many of our medical tools, are very expensive. In the hospital I worked in, until 2016, only had a few of these special US machines. The only department that had them in the entire hospital was the iv team/picc team nurses. We were a big level 1 trauma center and it seemed crazy that there was only one dept. It wasn’t just the cost it was also due to the fact that it requires specific training. Not every nurse had the skill set to use them. It is actually a lot harder than it looks to start an IV while using it. Since then other depts have gotten the training, and bought the machines. The most important being the ER! Amber RN, BSN, Team Member 
2. Amber Blackburn, RN Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Doreen H" user-id="4211472"/> it seems so unfair that people, like us, with chronic illnesses and require frequent labs and IVs have the worst veins. My mom and sister have literal ropes for veins and I used to joke with them that I could throw an iv needle like a dart and get it in place first try. Unlike me, who has never had good veins, even less so now after years of steroids. It’s just not fair. Crosses my arms and stomps my feet lol. Amber RN, BSN, Team Member