Why Should You Take a Private Blood Test?
Blood tests are used to quantify or examine the cells, chemicals, proteins, and other constituents of the blood. One of the most common types of lab tests, also known as blood work, is a blood test. Blood tests are frequently done as part of a routine check-up. Keep reading to find out more about blood testing in Bedfordshire.
What can blood testing detect?
Blood tests are common and they have a wide range of applications.
For example, a blood test can be used to:
– Take a look at your overall health
– Determine if you have a disease
– Examine the effectiveness of specific organs like the kidneys and liver
– Check for any genetic disorders
Most blood tests can be completed in a few minutes by a doctor, nurse, or phlebotomist at your GP clinic or local hospital.
Preparing for blood testing
If you need to follow any special instructions before your blood test, the health professional who arranges it will let you know.
Depending on the type of blood test, you may be required to do the following:
– Only drink water for up to 12 hours
– Stop taking certain medications
It is critical that you follow the instructions given to you, as failing to do so may result in the test being rescheduled or repeated.
What happens during blood testing in Bedfordshire?
For a blood test, blood is frequently drawn from a vein in your arm. The arm is a useful body part to use because it is easily exposed. The most common location for a sample is the inside of the wrist or elbow, where the veins are close to the surface.
Typically, blood is drawn from the back of a child’s hand. Their skin may be anaesthetised with a specific spray or ointment before the sample is taken. A tourniquet is usually wrapped around your upper arm. Because the arm is compressed, the vein enlarges and temporarily stops blood flow. This simplifies the sample collection process.
Before obtaining the sample, your pharmacist may clean the skin area with an antiseptic wipe. The vein is then pierced with a needle attached to a syringe. A syringe is used to extract a blood sample. You may feel a minor pricking or scratching sensation as the needle is inserted, but it should not be painful. If you are afraid of needles or blood, tell the person collecting the sample so that they can make you feel at ease.
Once the sample has been obtained, the tourniquet will be released and the needle will be removed. A cotton-wool pad is used to apply pressure to the skin for a few minutes. Apply plaster to the minor wound to keep it clean.
What happens after the test?
Because only a small amount of blood is drawn during the test, there should be no side effects. Some patients, however, experience dizziness and faintness during and after the exam. If this has happened before, inform the person administering the test so that they can help you relax.
You may experience some bruising where the injection was administered following the test. Bruises are unpleasant, but they are usually harmless and disappear in a few days.
What are the various types of blood testing?
Blood tests come in a variety of forms. Here are several examples:
– A Full Blood Count (CBC). Among other things, this test examines red and white blood cells, haemoglobin, and platelets. A CBC is commonly performed as part of a routine exam.
– A Basic Metabolic Panel. This is a series of tests that determine the levels of glucose, electrolytes, and calcium in your blood.
– Enzyme tests in the blood. Enzymes are molecules that regulate chemical reactions in your body. There are several types of blood enzyme testing. Creatine kinase and troponin are two of the most commonly used tests. These tests determine whether you’ve had a heart attack and whether your heart muscle has been damaged.
– Blood tests are also used to screen for heart disease. Among them are cholesterol and triglyceride tests.
– Blood clotting tests are another name for coagulation panel tests. These tests can help you figure out if you have a health problem that makes you bleed or clot too much.
Is it possible to get a blood test at the pharmacy?
A pharmacist can go over your medications and explain how they work for you. They can also perform health checks like blood pressure readings and schedule additional procedures like blood testing.
Get in touch with us for more information and to book your appointment for blood testing in Bedfordshire.
This blog post was written on behalf of C & H Barton Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.