Blood/ Urine/ Stool Tests

Blood tests are usually done to check how your body copes with illness, injury, inflammation, infection and some types of medication. Blood needs a very precise balance in order for your body to work well. If blood test results are abnormal, it gives the doctors a good indication of how to treat you or prevent problems occurring in the future.

To take a blood sample, a tourniquet is applied to your upper arm to make the vein more visible. The area is cleaned with an alcohol wipe, and a needle is inserted into the vein. Blood is collected in a bottle, and once full, the needle is removed. If veins are difficult to find, a 'butterfly' needle may be used. After removal, gauze is applied to stop any bleeding, which usually ceases quickly unless you are on blood-thinning medication.

After a blood test at Easy Medical Centre, you may experience minor effects such as a small bruise where the needle was inserted. Some individuals might feel dizzy or faint during and after the test. If you have a history of feeling faint, inform the person conducting the test so they can assist you. Generally, any bruising will be harmless and should fade within a few days.

Blood tests can detect a variety of conditions, including cholesterol and blood glucose levels to monitor heart disease and diabetes. They can also assess liver and kidney function, diagnose heart attacks through troponin levels, and detect heart failure with BNP tests. For those on warfarin, regular INR level checks ensure proper dosing. Our comprehensive profiles include numerous biomarkers for detailed analysis.

Usually, the blood bottles contain small amounts of a chemical to stop your blood clotting in the tube, so it can be measured accurately in the lab. Each bottle is labelled with your name, date of birth and hospital number, when the blood was taken, and has a different coloured top according to the type of test. Then they are taken to be analysed.

Preparation for a blood test at Easy Medical Centre may include fasting for up to 12 hours if required by your doctor. Drink plenty of water before the test to stay hydrated, as this makes it easier to find your vein. You may also need to stop certain medications; consult your GP for specific instructions.

The time it takes to receive blood test results varies. Urgent tests like STI and PCR can provide same-day results. Most routine tests return results the next day. Some profiles, such as tumor markers for cancer screening, may take up to 30 working days to analyze.

Sometimes the results of blood tests mean that the doctor may want to do additional tests, such as a Full Blood Count or to check your liver and kidney health. At Easy Medical Centre, our healthcare providers will guide you through any further testing that may be necessary based on your initial results.

Many people feel like this and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Tell the person who is doing your blood test – this will help them to look after you better.

You could also ask someone to come with you and distract you during the test. Some people also find breathing for relaxation helpful. If the problem is that you faint at the sight of blood, this is caused by a fall in blood pressure: you can learn techniques to stop this from happening.

Unfortunately, there is no ‘needle-free’ way of obtaining blood.