An Extensive Guide on Blood Work Tampa FL
Blood work in Tampa Florida is a quick and a smooth process, given if you’re working with a professional healthcare provider, but it is important for patients to know the basics around the procedures and protocols of the blood testing procedures.
This article aims to clear all the essential information about blood work testing – why you should get blood work done, how you should prepare yourself for it, what are the different methods and procedures involved. If you are getting a blood test done soon, this guide is a must read!
Why Do You Need Blood Work
For Regular check up
It might be time for your annual checkup and your doctor might recommend getting regular tests done like CBC or BMP. These blood tests ensure how well your organs are working, is your immune system strong enough and overall check of your health.
For Screening test
These are the tests recommended before showing symptoms. Doctors recommend these tests to catch the potential health issues that an individual might become vulnerable to.
For Diagnostic tests
You might be showing some alarming symptoms or might be at risk of developing a certain disease. In such cases doctors suggest blood tests to figure out and diagnose the condition you might be developing.
To monitor chronic disease
Blood tests are an essential source of information to assess the person who has a chronic disease. It helps examine the condition of the disease as well as assess whether the ongoing treatment is effective or not.
Blood Work Methods
Finger stick: this is the most common method of testing blood, by pricking your finger tip with a minimal invasive needle to collect a drop of blood. The tiny blood spot is saved on a special paper strip, which is sent to the lab for testing
Heel stick: in this, the pricking is done on the heels with the use of a small needle. This is a common practice with newborn babies to test their blood.
Arterial blood test: as blood in arteries carry more oxygen than the veins, this test method is used to detect the oxygen level in your body by collecting blood from arteries. The common sites in the body from where the blood is collected are wrist, arm, or groin area. This method might feel a bit more painful than the other two methods.
How to Prepare for Blood Work in Tampa, Fl
Before going through the blood testing procedure it’s better to prepare yourself first. These are some doctor suggested and generally beneficial ways to prepare yourself for different kinds of blood work tests:
Research About Your Blood Test
The first step to readying yourself for a blood test is by preparing yourself mentally. Before the test, educate yourself and learn about the test you have to opt for. Research about the protocols involved so there are no surprises on the day of testing.
Take Consultation
Take a consultation session prior to testing day in which you can ask your healthcare provider if there are any particular precautions that should be taken before the test. Let them know about your medical history and if you have any medical condition. Get all the relevant information and strictly follow any instruction given by the doctor.
Fast Before the Test
Many tests require you to fast before getting the procedure done. Your healthcare provider will suggest you if you need to avoid eating or drinking anything other than water before the test, to get accurate results. Some of the tests that require you to fast are:
- blood glucose test
- liver function test
- iron level blood test
- basic metabolic panel
- renal function panel
- Lipid panel (HDL and LDL)
Things to Avoid
- Medications that might affect the test results
- Strenuous exercises before the test
- Consumption of alcohol
- Smoking or chewing gum
Hydrate Yourself
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This helps make your veins more visible and avoids thick blood samples
Blood Work Procedure
Typically a lab professional, also commonly known as phlebotomist performs the blood test in the following ways:
- Washes his hands and cleans the area that needs to be injected- usually the arm, with an antiseptic liquid.
- Then they tie a stretchable rubber band, known as a tourniquet, around your arms to make the vein visible.
- They might also ask you to form a fist, which helps in blood accumulation
- Then the needle, attached with a tube or vial, is inserted in your vein
- When enough blood is collected in the tube they take the tourniquet off and put a bandage on the injected area.
Manage Your Health With Blood Work in Tampa, Fl
Getting blood work done in Tampa, FL, is an essential step in managing your health, from diagnosing conditions to tracking ongoing treatments. Understanding the process, preparing in advance, and selecting a trusted lab can help ensure accurate results, giving you the insights needed to make informed health decisions.
