Blood Test Safety Information

The following instructions are for patients attending a Blood Test.

To prevent fainting during a blood test:

• Please inform staff member if you feel you may faint during the test and you will be able to lie down.
• If you do faint, this is usually short lasting and will cause no permanent damage.
• The event will be documented as an incident.

To prevent bruising and bleeding after a blood test:

• Avoid excessive movement such as: digging, jogging, and carrying heavy objects/children etc. as the arm involved may become bruised.
• Leave dressing in place for approximately 2 hours.
• Pressure is required to minimize bruising and prevent bleeding (clot forms).
• Remove dressing in approximately two hours otherwise tape may cause irritation.

If you experience pain either during or after a blood test:

• This is usually transient, is often unavoidable and recovery is usually rapid.
• If severe, please inform staff member immediately.
• The cause of the pain may be one of two things: either the vein has been punctured on both sides causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissues or a nerve has been injured.
• Ice may be applied to the site and any adverse effect of the blood test will be documented as an incident.

If you are concerned, please contact the Collection Centre where your specimen was collected.

For further information, please call 0508 LABTESTS.