Blood test help

[Thelindyloo]

Please could someone give me advice to help with my Medichecks blood test, they are sending me out another kit after failing to fill the vile x2 I tried everything-drinking lots of water, warming my hands and exercise but I ran out off needles and fingers managed to half fill one vile only, is there anything else I can do to help the flow of blood with my next kit.

[PurpleGiraffe]

Hi Thelindyloo

This happened to me today too I think if I had more lancets I would have been able to fill both containers. They are sending me another kit with extra lancets. I’m considering buying some lancets myself *just in case*. I will be following this post to see if anyone has any other suggestions. Good luck with your second test. X

[Thelindyloo in reply to PurpleGiraffe]

They did tell me to use my little finger and lance it at the side by my nail, that’s how I half filled one vile, but my fingers just bruised and stopped bleeding so fast, at least they send out new kits quick. Fingers at the ready

[PurpleGiraffe]

Also, my blood seemed quite sticky and thick (sounds horrible!). Would that be lack of hydration or clotting? I suffer from night sweats and so despite being well hydrated when I go to bed, i’m probably quite dehydrated first thing in the morning.

[AnneEvo]

I've had the same problem, though I did just about manage to get sufficient - I didn't think I had but phoned them and they said to send in what I'd got. I was having another blood test and actually asked them to send extra lancets which they did. However I decided to warm my hands for a few minutes in VERY warm water and found the blood flowed freely - I didn't bother with excercises or hydration this time, just the very warm water. Try it. I hope it works for you Let us know if it does.

[Hidden]

Hi, I can’t help with suggestions but I am ordering tests for first time today and worrying about same problem. How big are the viles? Are they the same size as the hospital ones? Hope you find a good solution.

[Thelindyloo in reply to Hidden]

Hi the viles are not very big, but when the blood isn’t coming they might as well be, I am going to try the suggestion above next time, it will be Monday now as the new kit should arrive tomorrow but they want you to do the test between mon - fri, I will post on here if it works.

Good luck with yours

[katemm25]

I drank about a litre of water, very brisk walk & a bowl of very warm water. When they were sufficiently pink, I did the first finger & got enough easily to fill the first vial. The second one was much more of a problem, even though they’d sent 4 lancets. I should have relaxed a bit more & just taken a short break & repeated the soak in the water.

Good luck with your next test, glad they have sent you another.

[Thelindyloo]

I followed the advice about soaking hands in warm water and this time I had no problem at all getting enough blood, just waiting for results now. Thank you for the tips now I know what to do next time .