6 Blood Test Prep Steps Every Senior Should Know

A blood test is a common medical procedure used to evaluate overall health and help diagnose a wide range of conditions. Healthcare providers may order blood tests to investigate symptoms, monitor existing health concerns, or as part of routine preventive care during an annual physical. While blood tests are extremely common and typically not a cause for concern, knowing how to prepare can help ensure the most accurate results. 

Read on to learn the steps you may need to take to prepare for a blood test and what to expect beforehand.

Your primary care provider (PCP) or specialist should provide preparation instructions before your blood test. You can also follow these common steps to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Ask questions: It can be beneficial to ask your PCP if there are specific instructions to follow, such as whether or not it will be a fasting blood test (in which case you will be asked not to eat or drink for a specific time period prior to the test). If it’s not a fasting blood test, you can ask about other requirements.
2. Drink water: Drink plenty of water before the test to ensure you are properly hydrated. This will also allow veins to be fuller and more noticeable and will increase your blood volume, making a blood draw easier to do.
3. Eat a proper meal: To prevent the possibility of fainting, eating a healthy meal beforehand may be advised for some blood tests. It’s important to note that some blood tests require fasting beforehand, as the nutrients in our bloodstream can affect certain blood test results. Eating and drinking can have a potential effect on your blood (such as altering glucose levels, for example), so be sure to check with your PCP beforehand to determine whether or not you’re allowed to eat or drink before your blood test.
4. Wear accessible clothing: Choose short-sleeve or easily flowing clothing so that blood draws are easier to navigate.
5. Warm the area: Before the procedure, warming the general area where the needle will likely be inserted can allow better blood flow, making it easier to identify a vein. You can warm the area by using a warm compress (such as a warm washcloth), a small heating pad, or by wearing long sleeves or layers to keep the area warm (just be sure they can easily be moved to perform the draw).
6. Discuss medications and allergies beforehand: It’s important to discuss any medications you’re taking or allergies you have with both your PCP and the phlebotomist (the medical professional trained to perform blood draws). Certain medications may alter blood test results, and certain allergies may require the phlebotomist to adjust their technique. Medications or allergies to discuss may include:
   • Blood thinner medication: Let your PCP and phlebotomist know if you’re taking blood thinners so they can prepare for potential excessive bleeding.
   • Latex allergy: Since many phlebotomists wear latex gloves, it’s important to share this allergy so they can use non-latex materials.