Blood Test Prep Tips

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Hydration is key (All Services)

* Drink plenty of water starting the day before your appointment.

* Have a glass of water 30-60 minutes before your visit.

* Well-hydrated veins are easier to access.

* Helps prevent dizziness or fainting.

* Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol (24 hours prior if possible).

Medications

• Take medications as prescribed unless your provider says otherwise
• Inform us if you take blood thinners

Stay Warm

• Wear sleeves that roll up easily
• Keep your body warm before the appointment
• Avoid sitting in a cold car or room beforehand
• Warm veins are easier to draw

Before Your Appointment

• Do NOT eat or drink (except water) for at least 30 minutes before your test.

• Avoid coffee, soda, juice, gum, candy, smoking, or vaping.

• Water is allowed and encouraged.

Avoid Mouth Contamination

• No brushing teeth within 30 minutes of the 

* No brushing teeth within 30 minutes of the test.

* No mouthwash

* No lip balm or lipstick

* No chewing tobacco 

* Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

* Wait at least 30 minutes before sample collection.

* No food, milk, or snacks 30 minutes.

* No pacifier use during this time.

* Blood

* Saliva

* Cheek (Buccal) Swab

These instructions are for oral (saliva and buccal) collections only.

For blood collection, fasting is not typically required. Follow the Blood Draw instructions.

Failure to follow preparation instructions may delay results or require recollection of your sample.

• Eat a light meal within a few hours before your appointment unless instructed otherwise.

• Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your visit.

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment.

• Avoid heavy exercise the same day as your procedure.

Take medications as prescribed unless your treating physician instructs you otherwise. 

Wear short sleeves or loose sleeves that roll up easily.

Bring:

IDENTIFICATION AND ORDERS

* Therapeutic Phlebotomy Request Form. Typically this is completed and signed by the treating healthcare     

   provider prior to the day of your appointment. 

* Lab Order from your treating healthcare provider 

* Photo ID

FLUIDS

* Bring a drink of your choice. Water is available. 

   (water, electrolytes, juice)

LIGHT SNACKS

* Bring a small snack to eat after your procedure. Eating after helps prevent dizziness.

  (granola bar, crackers, fruit, nuts, cheese sticks)

* Remain seated (or lying down) during the procedure.

* Tell staff immediately if you feel dizzy, warm, nauseous, or unwell.

* Relax and breathe normally.

* Rest briefly. Sit for a few minutes before standing.

* Drink fluids. Extra fluids help your body recover.

* Have a snack. Helps prevent lightheadedness.

CARE FOR THE SITE

* Leave bandage on for at least an hour.

* Avoid heavy lifting with that arm for the rest of the day.

Some people feel tired afterward. If you've felt lightheaded during regular blood draws before, consider having someone drive you.