I have to go for a blood test tommorow and im kind of scared. The purpose of the blood test is to see if im anemic (another story). My friends & family members that have had blood tests say it doesn't hurt, has anyone here had blood tests?

Reply

I have had many blood tests done as well as two blood donations, and i do not think it hurts at all. All you feel is maybe a little pinch where they poke you, then you wont feel the needle at all.

this is of course, if the nurse is well trained in drawing the blood and uses a nice sharp needle so it goes in smoothly without much force going against it.

If you are afraid of being poked, ask them if they can use a Butterfly needle, it causes less irritation when they poke you.

Good Luck

Reply

Albus is correct it's not the needle that hurts it's waiting for the results as it could couple of hours to figure everything out. I might be wrong on this but they only need to draw blood from you once and then break it down into groups for different tests and what not. It taken a few years to get over the needle prick going into my arm but I got it down to a simple wince and it's done and over with.

Reply

Having blood drawn isn't too bad. Just close your eyes, take a deep breath and think of something pleasant.

But really...as far as my experiences with it have gone...it doesn't hurt any worse than a mosquito bite. Heck, getting a tattoo hurts more than having blood drawn (and tattooing doesn't really hurt that much).

Reply

I get blood tests every year (annual physical + specialists).

The butterfly needle is indeed excellent; it was designed with children in mind so you know it's good.

A deep breath helps but somtimes talking works better. I noticed that some people have a tendacy to hold their breath indefinitely and it sometimes works against the purpose (not sure how exactly). It's almost as if holding their breath builds up tension. So yeah, talking may be better.

Reply

i would suggest not thinking about it. thats what i do, and its fine. all my other siblings dread shots and blood tests, but im ok with it. i actually think when they gave me a tetnus shot, it felt kinda cool, cuz i could feel the stuff going in my arm, but thats kinda weird.

Reply

Getting bllood taken really doesn't hurt that much at all. Like it's been said, all you feel is a little prick when it first goes in. What you want to do is just relax your arm where they put in the needle. If you have to, you can just look the other way and you'll barely notice they've done anything.

Reply

I can see James2k7's blood test is surely over. An anaemia test is ready the same day.
I hope it was fine.

Afterwards I dare to tell as a specialist that his fears were not completely in vain.
We are different: one nurse/doctor takes blood more handy than the other. As I see, pain depends mainly on how quickly the needle comes in - but it depends on experience - and one needs to begin somewhere before getting experience...

There are few people who collapse while taking blood. They should lay down on a bed rather.

Tiredness and paleness are signes of anaemia but are not specific. Especially among women from 10 to 50 anaemia is very common.
In rare cases one needs to get blood because of anaemia.

Reply

hey, common...! Blood tests simply dont hurt you at all.

It will be just like a small bite from the ant.

Some, people feel a kind of vomiting sensation when they see blood. If that is the case with you then just close your eyes when they take your blood. I promise, i will not hurt at all!

But sure to check for the hygiene they follow in the lab. Its very important...

Reply