Cold adds stress and can cause falsely high catecholamine levels. Do not smoke for 24 hours before the test. These include bananas, avocados, cheese, coffee, tea, cocoa, beer and Chianti wine. 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. Skin over the vein to be stuck is cleaned with alcohol or other antiseptic on a piece of cotton. In-dwelling catheter is inserted in arm.