Do This Before Your Next Blood Test: 5 Tips

Let's review 16 years of blood work to see if meat causes diabetes or insulin resistance.

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-----------------------------------------Show Notes--------------------------------------

0:00 Intro
0:05

[samandtyler]

Nurse here; "butterfly" is not a size. It's a style. We have 18 gauge butterflies. Just ask for a small needle!

[chargermopar]

My last blood yest was in 1996. Have not had any medical care since then.

[nicoleperreault]

Making sure I’m well hydrated makes things easier when I have to give blood.

[asinheaven]

I donate blood plasma twice a week, so the needle stick is a non-issue for me. But I have noticed that the phlebotomists who stretch my skin toward them as they insert the needle are more successful getting a good stick. Being well hydrated helps too.

[firstchoicefarm]

I hate needles, but I've never had to ask for a butterfly needle. A good phlebotomist can make it so I barely feel it. I don't watch and I've never been able to tell when they switch tubes.

[authentic.]

Getting my blood tested soon. This video came at the right time!

[Toddis]

I used to be an intravenous drug user and I still get nervous when someone else puts a needle in my arm

Id much rather do it myself 😆

[marcysmith]

I just donated blood four days ago! I play pickle ball so I didn’t want them to use my right arm and sacrifice me playing this week or ever if something went wrong! So they drew from my left arm. It wasn’t their favorite, but a second guy came in and was successful ! But now I know how to make that vein in my left arm larger! This is so interesting, Mike! Thank you for this post! So helpful!

[robertbeckler]

Was at the VA yesterday. The NP actually was showing the intern my blood test history and how good my results have been since I went high animal fat low carb 6 years ago. Pointed out how low my triglycerides are and how high my hdl is and how that's what looks to be heart health marker not LDL.

[amy]

There’s a lot of misconceptions here. I have been a phlebotomist for about 20 years in Indiana. The butterfly needles and the straight needles are generally 21g or 23g, even for pediatric draws. Labs aren’t drawn with a larger gauge than 21g here. You’re less likely to have your lab tests hemolyzed if a larger gauge is used. Your phlebotomist should be a professional and know what tools to use after they evaluate your veins.

[Sunshine_AK]

Great information. Thanks for sharing ❤

[DangerZone-wy]

A butterfly needle is a device used to access a vein for drawing blood or giving medications. Some medical professionals call a butterfly needle a “winged infusion set” or a “scalp vein set.

[bahalana]

Great advice!
Regarding Tip #1, and YMMV. My creatinine levels would be elevated if I did this. In fact, all my lab work now, I'm advised to not do any resistance training the day before and day of, and not supplement creatine day before and day of.

[happyperson]

Just had to have an IV at the emergency room. I ended up having 3 nurses and 7 sticks on left arm and 1 stick on right arm (my broken arm). It has been 6 days and I look like a vampire ate on my arms. Unbelievable! Hospital wanted me to do give an assessment of the nurses/doctors but I refused!

[joshs]

Hospital blood lab my Dr uses refuses to use butterfly needles

[fearnot]

Let the pros decide what needle to use. If you have a phobia about needles, distract yourself.

[EatBeefBeHealthy]

The smaller the needle comes the risk of destroying some of the cells, which could effect the accuracy of the lab results... i.e. potassium. To prevent hemolysis, or the rupture of red blood cells, proper collection techniques are essential. This includes selecting an appropriate vein and using a suitable needle size, as well as avoiding excessive vacuum force during blood collection. Gentle and controlled insertion of the needle and gentle mixing of tubes after collection are also recommended to minimize cell damage.

[dherman]

Power red donations need a decent sized needle as its being used for platelet withdraw, saline flush and plasma replacement over 2 cycles. Could use a smaller needle but it would take a lot longer. I go every 4 months. I have a condition that produces too many red blood cells, so win win for me and the recipients when i donate. Also im CMV negative, so my platelets go to infants. Sometimes 2 infants with each donation. I wish youd talk about CMV negative blood and encourage people to donate if they are. Red Cross tests you for CMV at your first donation. Thanks for your life improving tips Mike!

[ceruleanswim]

I used to always faint. A nice phlebotomist told me to always request to lay down. Now I always insist and explain that I faint. Even if it’s a little hassle, they also would rather not have you unconscious!

[MechanicMitch]

I get my labs done every 8 weeks or so because I’m on trt, but I never once thought of requesting a butterfly, thanks eh