Blood Drug Testing

Extensive Blood Tests?

I went to my Dr and he wrote a script for various types of bloodwork, I didn't ask what tests he ordered. When I went today to get the blood drawn they took SIX large vials of blood from me. What type of tests could possibly require so much blood?

Public Comments

1. That happens to my husband every time he goes to the hospital. He has a blood disorder. They check thoroid, blood count, liver, lots of things related to what the doctor things may be wrong.
2. Each blood tube has a different colored stopper which means that it has a special additive inside the tube. Certain tests require a certain additive--so even if it was only two tests ordered if they required different additives you would need more than 1 tube. For example, CBC (complete blood count= white cells, red cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets etc.) requires a purple top tube that contains EDTA so blood does not clot. Bleeding studies (protime etc) requires a blue top tube; glucose may require a gray or green; many chemistries require a red or a tiger top. Sometimes the lab draws a bit extra as well in case tests need to be repeated. You have plenty enough blood to give 6 tubes--if you donated blood they would take the equivalent of 50 tubes..