Personally, I used to find the experience of having a blood test quite uncomfortable, and at times found that the journey there could be unsettling to say the least. It has only been through using distraction techniques, like playing music or mindfulness meditation that have got me over the fear, and over time, it is became much easier.

Blood tests at your medical practice can be quite uncomfortable to some, neither here nor there to others, but to around 20% of the population, a very nervy experience. It is the latter category that concerns me, and I include some suggestions to help those in this group manage and overcome their fears.

The very thought of getting a needle in your arm and drawing blood is not the only obstacle, as getting to the medical facility itself, is a challenge also. There can be a fear of blood, or of needles and in some cases a fear of both blood and needle.

The following are some of the more common feelings experienced by people affected by needle phobia Trypanophobia and/or blood phobia hemophobia

Sweating, not just on the palms of your hands, but on your forehead, back or arms.

That ‘jelly’ feeling in your legs as walking is unstable.

Fainting.

Sudden need to visit the toilet, especially on the journey there.

Nausea and sickness.

Pains in the chest or stomach area.

Palpitations felt in the neck, forehead or shoulder area.

Feelings of fear and anxiety can have a negative impact on the process involved, so it is important to try be as open as possible with the staff and ask for a quiet place to sit prior to the appointment. A glass of water may help. Let the receptionist know you are feeling out of sorts.

There are steps that can be taken to manage your anxieties once in the room, such as:

Share your fear/anxiety with the Nurse or Doctor.

Take a friend along with you for support.

Close your eyes and practice breathing exercises; slowly inhale for 3 seconds, hold for 2 seconds and exhale for 3 seconds.

Mindfulness and Meditation.

Positive thinking: Imagine what the benefits are of getting the blood test, to ensure that your health is good, and finding reassurance that everything will work out just fine.

Visualize a happy place, and close your eyes. Stay focused on the happy place as the needle goes in.

Listen to your favourite music using headphones/pods.

Ask the nurse to tell you what is happening step by step for re-assurance.

If it is a young child or baby getting blood taken and they are apprehensive, bring a book or favourite toy to distract the child with.

Focus on something happy together, like going for a treat afterwards. Talk it through while the needle is in.

Provide a candy or sweet after the procedure finishes.

If none of the suggestions work for you, ask at your pharmacy for EMLA cream. Taken one hour prior to the appointment, where the cream is rubbed on the area where the needle goes in. EMLA numbs the area. This is a universal cream and available over the counter.

(North America – AgoNeaze or EMLA )

Last but not least, in some cases, there is a genuine fear of the caregiver and their technique which has caused your apprehension. A bad experience previously can affect future appointments very easily. If possible, ask if you can get the same person to take your blood, so as to build a positive relationship and work together moving forward. There is nothing worse than a caregiver who does not listen nor has any empathy to your plight. Typically a Phlebotomist would be the caregiver that takes your blood; they are specifiaclly trained to administer blood tests.

Any further advice, feel free to get in touch.

Take care

Steve