What to Expect During Blood Testing

If you have ever had a routine checkup, genetic screening, or medical treatment, you have likely received blood testing. This is one of the most common types of diagnostic tests. It is useful for detecting and monitoring a wide variety of health conditions, making it an invaluable tool for healthcare practitioners to plan your care.

Bergen Medical Associates provides on-site diagnostic tests and treatment for a wide variety of medical specialties at locations throughout northern New Jersey. Here, we discuss what blood testing is, what it is used for, and what to expect from your appointment.

Nurse holding blood test vials in gloved handWhat Is Blood Testing?

Blood testing, also called blood work, is one of the most common types of medical tests. It involves removing a small amount of blood, called a sample, from the patient’s body. The sample is examined in a medical laboratory later. This examination provides helpful information about a patient’s health, which can guide a diagnosis or care plan.

The circulatory system consists of the heart and blood vessels and moves much-needed materials throughout the body. It transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, immune cells, and more. This makes blood a useful tool for understanding what is going on in the body.

What Do Blood Tests Show?

Because blood interacts with nearly every organ and system, it can provide information about all of them. This makes bloodwork effective for detecting many health conditions. These are just a few of the conditions physicians may diagnose using blood testing:

Blood testing also can provide various information that physicians may use for other reasons, such as to track known conditions or inform a treatment plan. These are some other possible applications for blood testing:

  • Measuring kidney and liver function
  • Checking for nutrition deficiencies
  • Maintaining chronic health conditions
  • Assessing ongoing treatment effectiveness

Patients should keep in mind that, while useful for determining a diagnosis, blood tests do not provide a diagnosis by themselves. Abnormal results can have any number of causes and are not sure signs of any illness. Further testing is usually required to confirm a diagnosis.

Why Might I Need Blood Testing?

There are many types of blood tests. If your physician orders bloodwork, it may not be because you are sick. Testing may be used for many different reasons. If you are uncertain why blood testing has been requested, do not hesitate to ask. These are some of the most common reasons that might be given:

Regular Physical

Blood work may be ordered during a routine checkup. These tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or basic metabolic panel (BMP), evaluate many parts of the blood at once. They provide an overview of your general health and may alert your primary care provider to a developing condition.

Routine Screening

Screening tests are performed on a regular basis to detect signs of an emerging condition. They can detect certain conditions, such as prostate cancer or coronary artery disease, before symptoms develop. This gives patients and physicians a head start in planning a treatment.

New Symptoms

Blood testing is also performed for diagnostic purposes. If you are experiencing new symptoms, your physician may request blood work to determine the cause. The tests may rule out potential health conditions or direct the doctor toward the correct diagnosis.

Ongoing Treatment

In some cases, blood testing is used to evaluate a treatment’s effectiveness. Routine testing helps physicians track changes in the body over time. This can help them determine whether treatment is working properly. It also alerts them when the condition worsens, and a different approach may be needed.

Genetic Testing

Inherited gene mutations can make you more susceptible to certain medical conditions, including heart issues or cancer. If a family member is known to have a mutation or a condition it’s related to, you may be tested to determine whether you have inherited the same mutation.

How Should I Prepare for Blood Testing?

Before a blood test, speak with your healthcare provider about what steps you should take to prepare. Most tests don’t require extensive preparation. These tests need to evaluate your blood under normal conditions, so major diet or lifestyle changes may interfere with accurate results. Otherwise, try to drink plenty of water beforehand. Being well-hydrated may make it easier for the technician to obtain blood. Using moisturizer on your arms may also aid with an easy needle insertion.

Some tests may require you to fast for an amount of time beforehand. The type of fasting varies depending on the type of test. For example, some blood tests may require you not to drink any liquids beforehand, while others may require you to avoid certain foods. This type is usually scheduled for early in the morning to limit the length of time patients must go without eating.

What Happens During a Blood Testing Appointment?

On testing day, wear short sleeves or sleeves that are easy to roll up. This ensures your arm remains accessible for the blood draw. You should also tell your physician whether needles make you anxious, as they will help you feel at ease during the procedure. A friend or family member may also provide comfort or a distraction if needed.

Blood testing is performed as an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home after the appointment and do not need to plan for an overnight hospital stay. The test is performed by a technician called a phlebotomist and follows these steps:

  1. You sit or lie down on an operating table.
  2. The technician ties a rubber band around one arm. You may also be asked to make a fist. This increases pressure in the arm, making blood easier to draw.
  3. The technician identifies a vein and uses an antibacterial wipe to clean the nearby skin.
  4. The technician inserts the needle. You may experience a small prick or sting.
  5. After enough blood has been drawn, they remove the needle and have you press against the site to stop any bleeding.
  6. The phlebotomist will then place an adhesive bandage over the site to protect against infection and control the bleeding.

Afterward, you may need to rest for a few minutes before standing. The blood samples will be labeled and sent to a medical laboratory for evaluation. Depending on the test, results may take a day up to a week or more. Your provider may schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results and the next steps.

Schedule Blood Testing at Bergen Medical Associates

Patients in need of blood testing can trust the experienced team at Bergen Medical Associates. We provide a variety of on-site diagnostic testing services, giving patients access to reliable screening for several conditions. Our team of more than 40 board-certified physicians, nurses, and highly trained staff represents a wide breadth of specialties and services. We serve patients from locations throughout northern New Jersey. We have locations in Emerson, Montvale, Northvale, Paramus, and Ridgewood, NJ, making it easy to find treatment near you. Contact us to learn more about the services we offer or to schedule an initial consultation.

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