AboutMargot RN BScN CGN Expertise I am willing to try and answer any questions I receive. I do not usually do Homework questions but I am happy to assist people studying Nursing or any other Medical profession if I can.
Experience
Past/Present clients Hundreds of Long Term Care residents and Community Clients.
Experience in the area 20 years of Long Term Care and Community Nursing, specialising in Geriatrics, Gerontology and PalliativeCare.
Education/Credentials Registered Nurse , Certified Gerontological Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Question Hello:
I am writing a story and in it someone is to get blood tests, testing for a lot of things, making sure it is healthy blood. How long would it take for the results to come back?
(They would simply take sample first. How much would they need, what would be best procedure?)
Thanks.
Answer Hi Demetrius and thanks for writing,
The CBC [Complete Blood Count] is used as a broad screening test to check for many common disorders such as anemia, infection, and many other diseases. It is actually a panel of tests that examines different parts of the blood and can indicate when common serum levels are off and additional tests are indicated. Doctors may order this test for a variety of reasons. It may be a part of a routine check-up or screening, or as a follow-up test to monitor certain treatments. It can also be done as a part of an evaluation based on a patient's symptoms.
The test is performed by obtaining a few milliliters (one to two teaspoons) of blood sample directly form the patient; it can be done in many settings including the doctor's office, laboratories, and hospitals and the results are generally returned within 24 hours.
The health professional drawing blood will:
■Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put a needle into the vein.
■Clean the needle site with alcohol.
■Put the needle into the vein. More than one needle stick may be needed.
■Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood.
■Remove the band from your arm when enough blood is collected.
■Put a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the needle is removed.
■Put pressure to the site and then a bandage.
