Preparations at the hospital
The lab receives both inpatients and outpatients for sampling during office hours. Sampling of patients outside the hospital takes place preferably with your GP family doctor unless the sampling poses particular problems. You must bring with you a doctor's referral ff this is not already sent to the lab . You do not need an appointment for blood sampling at our polyclinics and the hospital requires no fee.
Completion
Whoever takes the test will ask for your name and 11-digit identity number to ensure proper identity labelling the samples. The sampler is well trained and will ensure that samples are taken in a gentle, effective and correct way.
When a blood sample is taken into a vein, one venous cannula (thin needle) tucks into a vein located just below the skin, often on the inside of the elbow. To hit the vein easily, tighten a band on the upper arm, and the blood vessel will stand a little stretched and are easier to see. The veins on the front of the elbow are suitable for blood; they are the right size and located near the skin surface. Veins on backside of hands and ankles can also be used, but for patients with low circulation and patients with diabetes, one should avoid taking blood samples at these locations.
Blood is drained out of vacuum that draws out the necessary amount of blood, often in several tubes. The recaps of the tubes have different colors. Each color shows what kind of fabric is added to prevent blood to dry. Usually 1-5 tubes of blood are drained, depending on how many analyzes your doctor wants carry out.
In most cases it may be problematic to take blood sample. It might be a little uncomfortable when sticking through the skin. Some may become unwell during sampling. If you know that this may hapen to you, it is smart to tell the sampler.
Local anesthetic cream can be applied to children or others who are very anxious. This should in any case be applied to the skin 1-2 hours prior to sampling (not functioning in fingers and heels).
The blood sampling usually takes a few minutes. It is taken usually in a seated position, and if possible, you should be seated at least 20 minutes in advance.
After the blood sample is taken, press cotton around the injection so it is not bleeding.