I guess it depends on if you pass out for lack of blood volume/ lack of blood to the brain, or from fear.
If it's a physical response, just as if they can do it lying down. DRINK lots of water before, it is easier to find the vein, the vein is MUCH less likely to collapse (don't know if you have that problem, but I have that allot, and they are always having to start all over), and you are less likely to faint because the higher the blood volume, the more likely there will "be some left" up there for your brain where you need it.
If you pass out from fear/ nerves/ whatever, the calming breath bit is really the best advice. Don't look, ask them to say something like "1, 2, 3, 'Needle'" if it helps you not to have to wait and anticipate. That way you can calm down before-hand. Also, if you are at the same place that you have had good lab techs before, ask for them by name if you feel uncertain about the tech you have. Just say "Is Mike or Carole on shift this morning?" Most don't take offense at that at all, usually it means you know you are a "hard-stick" and are happy to let someone else take over.
Also, they really are not taking that much blood. The tubes are quite small, and for blood cultures or other tubes without additives (usually the ones with the yellow-black, red, or light-blue stoppers) don't even have to be *absolutely* full. The ones with additives to, to be mixed in the proper blood/ additive ratio, but those are usually for specialized testing.
Somehow, it helps me to know more about it. Makes it more "clinical" and less scary.
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~~~Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.~~~
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Re: Advice for blood tests
