How to Prepare for Your Next Blood Test in Calgary

How to Prepare for Your Next Blood Test in Calgary

If your doctor has recommended a blood test, you might be wondering what to expect and how to prepare. Blood tests are a common tool used to monitor health, support diagnosis, and guide treatment decisions. When medically necessary, these tests provide valuable insight into various aspects of your well-being. Here’s what you need to know before your next test.

What Can Blood Tests Detect?

Blood testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing, monitoring, and managing many health conditions. The following tests are commonly available through laboratories in Calgary:

·       Complete Blood Count (CBC):
Provides information on your overall health by analyzing red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels. It is commonly used to screen for anemia, infections, and certain blood disorders.

·       Glucose Test:
Measures your blood sugar levels and is essential for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes or pre-diabetes.

·       Cholesterol Test (Lipid Panel):
Evaluates total cholesterol, LDL (“bad” cholesterol), HDL (“good” cholesterol), and triglycerides to assess cardiovascular health and risk factors.

·       Screening for STBBIs (Sexually Transmitted and Blood-borne Infections):
Tests such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis can be detected through blood samples. Additional STI tests may require urine or swab samples.

·       Genetic Testing:
Analyzes DNA in your blood to identify genetic mutations associated with specific cancers, cardiovascular conditions, and other inherited diseases. Typically ordered based on family history or risk factors.

·       Prenatal Screening:
Offered to pregnant individuals to detect chromosomal conditions such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18, and trisomy 13, often as early as 10 weeks into pregnancy.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Proper preparation for a blood test can help ensure more accurate results and make the overall experience smoother and more comfortable. If you’re having your blood drawn in Calgary—whether at an Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) site or another accredited lab in Calgary, consider the following tips:

·       Stay Hydrated:
Unless you’ve been instructed to fast, drinking plenty of water before your appointment helps keep your veins more visible and makes the blood draw easier.

·       Avoid Stimulants:
Refrain from consuming caffeine, alcohol, energy drinks, tobacco, or recreational drugs for at least 24 hours prior to your test, as these substances can interfere with certain lab results. If you’re unsure what’s allowed, consult your healthcare provider.

·       Wear Comfortable Clothing:
Choose clothes with short sleeves or sleeves that can be easily rolled up, as most blood samples are taken from the crease of the arm.

·       Bring Required Documents:
Make sure to bring your lab requisition (paper or digital), Alberta health care card, and any private insurance information if applicable.

·       Ask for Clarification:
Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor, nurse, or lab staff for personalized instructions based on the specific tests you are having. Preparation can vary depending on the type of blood work ordered.

Do I Need to Fast Before a Blood Test?

Some blood tests require fasting, but not all. Eating can influence levels of glucose, lipids, and other substances in the blood, affecting the accuracy of test results. Fasting provides more stable and reliable measurements for these parameters. For example, the glucose test requires fasting, but the blood count does not.

Only a healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, laboratory personnel, etc.) can provide you with fasting instructions. This may involve not eating or drinking (except water) for a specific period before the appointment.

If your doctor has not advised you to fast, eat a meal balanced in proteins and sugars to limit the risk of discomfort during sampling.

How Is a Blood Test Done?

Blood samples must be taken at a test center or blood collection site. After confirming your identity and the required test, a laboratory technician or nurse will seat you comfortably. You can indicate which arm you prefer for the draw. A tourniquet is placed above the elbow to highlight the veins, and after disinfecting the area, a sterile single-use needle is used to collect the sample.

The amount of blood taken is very small and poses no health risk. After collection, a bandage is applied, and gentle pressure is held for 1–2 minutes.

Is It Painful?

The process is usually quick and very painless. You may feel a stinging or burning sensation at the puncture site, followed by a small bruise. Side effects are rare, but if you experience discomfort, notify the healthcare professional immediately.

How Long Does It Take to Get Results?

If your sample is taken at a public analysis center, results may take a few days. Speak with your healthcare provider about lab options and expected timelines.

Blood Testing in Alberta

In Alberta, blood tests are performed by Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL). Appointments can be booked online at their website, or through Alberta Health Services’ patient portal. Preparation guidelines and lab locations are widely available online through AHS.

Where to Find Dr. Dion

Dr. Helen Dion is a Calgary-based family doctor offering personalized, evidence-informed care at two convenient Medicentres locations.

Primary Practice Location:
Country Hills Medicentres
5149 Country Hills Blvd NW, Suite 220, Calgary, AB, T3A 5K8
📞 (403) 241-8848
🔗 https://www.medicentres.com/medicentre-locations/country-hills-medicentre/

Additional Practice Location:
Mount Royal Medicentres
1032 17 Ave SW, Suite 3, Calgary, AB, T2T 0A5
📞 (403) 229-1771
🔗 https://www.medicentres.com/medicentre-locations/mount-royal-medicentre/

Ready to book? Visit Medicentres.com or drhelendion.ca to schedule your appointment at the location that works best for you.

For ongoing health tips, updates, and to connect with Dr. Dion, follow her on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit https://www.drhelendion.ca/.

Useful Resources

·       Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL):
https://www.albertaprecisionlabs.ca

·       Alberta Health Services – Laboratory Services Overview:
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/lab/page3302.aspx

·       AHS Patient Instructions for Fasting Before Blood Tests (PDF):
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/wf/lab/if-lab-pc-frm-fasting-tests-pa17-01-020.pdf

·       MyHealth Alberta – Government of Alberta Health Information Portal:
https://www.myhealth.alberta.ca

Disclaimer:
The content on drhelendion.ca is intended for informational purposes only. No content on this site, regardless of its date, should be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician.