Blood Drug Testing

How to get a blood type test with my fear of needles and pain?

Well I don't know what blood type I am but it is crucial to know for obvious reasons. Can someone help me on tips on how to get over the fear?

Public Comments

1. Convince yourself that it's no big deal (which it isn't...you ever get a skinned knee? That hurts worse than having blood drawn.) Tell them you have a fear so they will let you lie down during the procedure and don't watch while the blood is being drawn. Thumbs down? Ok...tell them to smack you upside the head with a baseball bat so you don't have to go through the trauma while conscious. Then you can get your skull fracture treated when you wake up.
2. Agh you think your fear of needles is bad? When I get blood taken or get a piercing or anything, I FAINT! Sooo what I've learned to do is give a warning ahead of time, have them get a trash can ready because I usually throw up after I faint and if they know you are upset they will talk to you and calm you down. The whole drawing blood thing doesn't hurt it's just the knowingness of the needle that freaks you out. Also bring a soda or orange juice or something with a lot of sugar in it to help you because when you get blood taken your blood sugar drops. Also eat before and bring a snack after. Have them allow you to lay down. This way after you get your blood taken you can rest for a few minutes. I also suggest you have someone drive you there and come with you so you have a distraction. I am so scared of needles but I know sometimes in life we have to do things we don't want to.
3. I hate to break it to ya but there are going to be moments in your life where you will go through some pretty bad pain....life isn't painless man everyone goes through pain it's impossible to avoid it Just man up this is very very miniscule on the list of painful things to do
4. Do you know what blood types your parents are? That will narrow it down a lot. Also, (having had many blood tests as a kid) there is a patch & a spray out there that should help you with the fear of pain. Once the phlebotomist finds a vein they want to use, they put the patch (It has a numbing gel on it) over your skin. You'll have to wait a bit for it to work, but you won't feel a thing! As for the whole needle thing, have someone coach you through it. The needles used for blood testing are very small, and they're designed for optimum patient comfort. If you don't pay attention you'll hardly notice there's even one there. You should talk to your doctor for further advice and options. Hopefully this helps even a little. Med Lab Techs have years of training and experience so don't be afraid to talk to them about your situation. They'll know how to make it the most comfterable experience possible for you.
5. There is more fear in your mind, than actual pain from the needle. If you have good veins, the phlebotomist will be able to stick you with a minimal amount of pain. If you have bad veins (like me), it is more difficult to get a good sample, so the phlebotomist may use a smaller gauge needle which will take a bit longer to draw the samples needed. Some phlebotomists are better than others. Be sure to tell him/her about your fear. You won't be the first person they've heard that from. If you think you might faint, they can draw you while you lie down. I find it helps if I talk about another topic while I get my blood drawn. It helps to distract me. I also don't look while they stick me. Focus on something else in the room. Be brave. In the grand scheme of things, this is really not that awful an experience.