Blood refusing to be tested...

levens

Has anyone else had this problem?, I have been stuck twice and the veins are all nice and strong but don't want to give up the red stuff!...it means I have to go back again in a week..it's just for a full MOT as I have had a few odd stomach bugs...maybe I should water it down a little more!:D...

belfastgirl23

I participated in a medical trial a few years ago where they had to take my fasting blood sugar. I normally walked to the clinic in the morning. They had trouble taking blood a couple of times and finally one of the more experienced nurses said I was probably dehydrated - from a night's sleep, no breakfast (and no tea because no milk) and then the walk over. She said I needed to drink a couple of glasses of water before I headed out - easier said than done when it's a 30 minute walk with nowhere to take a loo break lol. But I did start carrying water with me and it was much easier after this.

So you are actually right, drink water before giving blood!

margaretclare

Yes, I was told this some years ago by our senior GP. She said it's misleading being told don't eat or drink - water is fine and does prevent the veins from collapsing due to dehydration.

toffifee

+1 for making sure you're hydrated. My DH was told to make sure he was not too cold. I think they mentioned taking a shower since this would make you warm and therefore your veins will dilate.

levens

hummm.... your answers have all been really interesting...I had drunk a pint of water, was warm as I tend to have a ready brek glow for an hour after a shower....so will have to just guess it was one of those things...the nurse was well experienced....just not in bloods...

mumps

levens wrote: »

hummm.... your answers have all been really interesting...I had drunk a pint of water, was warm as I tend to have a ready brek glow for an hour after a shower....so will have to just guess it was one of those things...the nurse was well experienced....just not in bloods...

I am the same, it has always been really difficult getting blood and last time I ended up seeing a GP who was a trained anaesthetist and he said it was awkward but he did get a full needle of blood which is unheard of for me. He told me some people just have veins that make it awkward. I don't know what that means exactly but I have had blood taken many many times with 4 pregnancies and a few ops plus hypothyroidism which needs regular checks and no one has ever found it easy.