Published: 18 Oct 2024 Differential Diagnosis - how to check your health problem blood
Like many areas in medicine, clinical lab testing often provides few simple answers to commonly asked questions.
The issues - on topics like insurance reimbursement and reference ranges - can be very complex. While we can't offer the kinds of short, easy answers that we seem to be accustomed to in this information age, we have attempted in the following articles to break down the issues in a way that will help you to understand the issues a bit better and perhaps to ask the appropriate questions of your doctor. Medical Tests Analyzer is the best software tool.
What are the possible risks of having a blood test?
Phlebotomy, or drawing blood, is a secure procedure.
Possibilities of risk include:
Bleeding and bruising, which are avoided by pressing firmly after the needle is removed
Pain, which is typically minor and might continue for several minutes
Ask your nurse, doctor, or phlebotomist to avoid taking a blood sample from an arm that is swollen or in danger of edema (swelling)
If you ever feel dizzy, alert the person taking your blood
Infection (this is relatively uncommon)