Risks and precautions If you have taken aspirin during the 2 weeks before the test, notify the person administering the test. He or she might want to postpone the test. No changes necessary. You may be asked not to take this medication before the test. 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. Description of test Technician, doctor or nurse applies a tourniquet or blood-pressure cuff to the upper arm if blood is collected from a vein. Skin over the vein to be stuck is cleaned with alcohol or other antiseptic on a piece of cotton.