We are all familiar about that dreadful prick before a blood test, and even though all of us here are from the medical and healthcare field. The thought of a prick for yourself, can still make some of us cringe. The anxiety can make you feel rather stressed.
We are aware of the routine prerequisites like how we many hours prior we need to fast, planning our schedule for the next day, hydration and the medication we cannot avoid taking, but we need to also mentally prepare ourselves if we are nervous before a blood test.
Here are a few practical tips that can make it easier.
Practicing deep breathing: keep your breath slow and steady to remain calm. Try inhaling for 4 seconds, holding and exhaling for 4 seconds each. This helps the nervous system remain calm.
Use visualisation: picture a favourite spot or relaxing scene while the needle is being inserted.
Positive self talk: positivity can help greatly with the anxiety of thinking about the probable outcome
Focus elsewhere: Distraction in this case, even looking away from the needle, can work wonders.
Reward yourself: celebrate your small victory and treat yourself
With a few calming tricks, we can stay calm, relaxed and confident.
what other tips can you add to reduce pre blood test anxiety?
Allanah, I loved how you touched on the often-ignored emotional side of something as routine as a blood test.
One more tip I’ve found useful is reframing the prick as a gateway, not a threat reminding yourself that the test is a step toward clarity, healing, and control over your health. Also, having the phlebotomist talk you through the process can reduce that ‘anticipatory silence’ which often builds anxiety.
Sometimes, even holding a stress ball or tightening and releasing your fist works like a mini reset for the nerves. It’s these small, mindful shifts that turn dread into a moment of empowerment.
I think adding things like listening to calming music, practicing deep breathing, or bringing a supportive friend could also help make the experience less stressful.
Excellent advice! Speaking with the phlebotomist about your anxiety can also be beneficial; they are trained to ease the process and can provide comfort. Additionally, staying properly hydrated beforehand facilitates the appearance of veins. Talking with a friend or listening to relaxing music can help divert the mind and make the experience much more comfortable.
I usually inform the phlebotomist early that I am a nervous patient so that he can take care from his side. Then I switch on mobile and watch Instagram Reels to get myself ignorant of the prick. Only when the phlebotomist says it is done, I will take my eyes out of mobile and look on to the pricked site. Being tech-savvy can help you in such situations.
Love that you brought up this topic that not many people talk about ! Anxiety about needles is a major factor that stops people from getting blood tests
I often find that distracting myself by engaging in a conversation with the phlebotomist greatly helps me. Taking deep breaths/ doing box breathing is also helpful.
It’s a good idea to talk to the phlebotomist before the test. They are experienced professionals who handle such situations daily and have techniques to help you stay calm. Many are also skilled at managing anxious patients, including children, with care and reassurance.