Introduction How it's done Difficult sampling Other methods Complications Sources

Most routine pathology laboratory tests require a blood sample. As common and as quick as it is, this procedure is the test people tend to have the most worries about.

There are two main issues:

1) the physical one, enduring the needle, and

2) the emotional one, to see your blood being removed.

For most people having blood taken is not a problem, just a minor inconvenience. Others feel anxious and need some strategies to help them cope. On the other hand for a much smaller number of individuals, the state physical condition of their veins makes the procedure hard. This might be because their veins are sore from intravenous (IV) therapy, scarred from frequent venipunctures, or just hard to find and use for blood collection.

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This article is part of a collection of articles offering tips for taking medical tests. For more information that may be of value, see the articles on Coping with test pain, discomfort, and anxiety, Common tests, Tips to help children through their pathology tests, and Tips to help the elderly through their pathology tests.

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