What happens at a blood test appointment?

Ultrasound Direct provides private blood test appointments as well as exceptional quality diagnostic ultrasound scans. Several healthcare providers refer clients directly to Ultrasound Direct. We carefully train sonographers and clinical assistants as phlebotomists (people who take blood at a blood test). But what happens at a private blood test appointment?  

The first thing to know is that you must try to arrive at a private blood test appointment well-hydrated. Ideally you will start drinking water regularly the day before, and continue drinking water up until your blood test. This makes it much easier to draw blood.

Before a blood test, the phlebotomist will first make sure that they have your consent to carry out the blood test procedure. They will ensure their hands are washed and sanitised, and will wear gloves to make sure everything is sterile. It’s important that you tell the phlebotomist if you are uncomfortable with needles or blood so they can make sure you feel secure and calm before starting the blood test.  

Blood will usually be taken from a vein in your arm. On occasion it may be taken from another area of the body, for example the back of the hand. The phlebotomist will look at your arms to find the best place to draw blood from. They may use a tourniquet – this is a tight band that squeezes the arm, which temporarily slows down blood flow. This makes your veins swell, so it’s quicker and easier to take a blood sample. When the best place to draw blood has been identified, the phlebotomist will wipe it with an antiseptic wipe.  

A needle will be inserted into the vein and blood will be drawn into a syringe. This is a quick procedure, and it shouldn’t hurt. You may feel a prick or scratch.

You’ll be asked to hold a cotton ball or swab on your skin for a few moments to stop any bleeding, and you may receive a plaster to put over the site of the test to keep it clean. The phlebotomist will check whether you have a latex allergy before providing a plaster.  

As a very small amount of blood is taken, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience any after-effects from your private blood test. Some people may feel dizzy or faint after the blood test – make sure you tell the team in the clinic if this is the case so they can keep you comfortable until you feel better.  

You might get a small bruise where the needle entered your skin. This is normal and will fade after a few days.   

What happens with your results?

After your private blood test appointment, your blood is sent to be tested by our trusted partners TDL.

Ultrasound Direct does not interpret or discuss your results with you. You will receive a report containing your results to show to your preferred healthcare provider.