Nurse or doctor. If transport is delayed, specimen may be refrigerated but not frozen. No changes necessary. No changes necessary. Put on surgical gown.
Discomfort disappears when the test is finished.
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. When blood is drawn from a vein, the operator feels the vein to be used then punctures both the skin and vein in one quick stroke. The needle used is a sterile, disposable needle attached to a sterile, disposable syringe.