Patient preparation These preparation instructions apply to a blood test. See preparation instructions for amniocentesis. No changes necessary. No changes necessary. Roll up sleeve only.
Discomfort disappears when the test is finished.
Equipment used Needles, syringes and heparinized collecting tubes. Sterile, disposable equipment prevents contamination or spread of infection. There is no risk of becoming infected with the hepatitis virus, AIDS virus or any other infecting germ. If test is to be done before the baby is born, see Amniocentesis. If the test is done before baby is born, it is done by amniocentesis.