Title: Blood tests - Tests & treatments | NHS inform
Headings: Blood tests
Blood tests
Introduction
Preparing for a blood test
What happens during a blood test?
After the test
Blood test results
Widely used blood tests
Blood cholesterol test
Blood culture
Blood gases test
Blood glucose (blood sugar) tests
Blood typing
Cancer blood tests
Chromosome testing (karyotyping)
Coagulation tests
C-reactive protein (CRP) test
Electrolyte test
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Full blood count (FBC)
Genetic testing and screening
Liver function test
Thyroid function test
Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window
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Content: Their skin may be numbed with a special spray or cream before the sample is taken. A tight band (tourniquet) is usually put around your upper arm. This squeezes the arm, temporarily slowing down the flow of blood and causing the vein to swell. This makes it easier for a sample to be taken. Before taking the sample, the doctor or nurse may clean the area of skin with an antiseptic wipe. A needle attached to a syringe or special container is inserted into the vein. The syringe is used to draw out a sample of your blood. You may feel a slight pricking or scratching sensation as the needle goes in, but it shouldn't be painful. If you don't like needles and blood, tell the person who is taking the sample so they can make you more comfortable. When the sample has been taken, the needle will be removed.