Lab technician, nurse, doctor. If you have diabetes, you will receive your usual medication after the test. Inform the person performing the test if you have recently taken any medications listed under Taking these drugs may affect test results. You may be asked not to take this medication before the test. Roll up sleeve only.
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 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. Tubes are treated with an anti-coagulant chemical to prevent clotting.