A Simple Test… But Are You Really Ready?
Getting a blood test may seem routine — but there’s more to it than just showing up and rolling up your sleeve.
At Curis Diagnostic Solutions, LLC , we’ve seen it all: patients who accidentally fasted for the wrong test, took the wrong supplements, or forgot to drink water — all of which can affect results or lead to delays.
In this post, we’re breaking down the top 5 mistakes people make before a blood draw — and what you should do instead to get accurate, stress-free results.
🩸 1. Not Drinking Enough Water
❌ Mistake:
You forget to hydrate before your test — especially if you’re fasting — and suddenly, your veins are harder to find.
✅ Why It Matters:
When you’re dehydrated, your blood vessels contract, making it more difficult for the phlebotomist to find a vein. This can result in multiple sticks, longer appointments, or unsuccessful draws.
💡 What to Do Instead:
Drink 16–24 oz. of water an hour or two before your test, unless you’re specifically told not to (which is rare). Hydration helps your blood flow smoothly — and makes the process quicker and easier.
🧃 2. Eating (or Not Eating) at the Wrong Time
❌ Mistake:
You assume every blood test requires fasting — or worse, you eat a big breakfast when you’re supposed to fast.
✅ Why It Matters:
Some tests (like blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides) require fasting to get accurate readings. Others don’t. Eating or not eating at the wrong time can skew results or force a re-test.
💡 What to Do Instead:
Check your test instructions or ask your provider. If you’re fasting, avoid all food and drinks (except water) for 8–12 hours beforehand. If you’re not fasting, eat a light, balanced meal so you don’t feel faint.
💊 3. Taking Supplements or Medication Too Close to the Test
❌ Mistake:
You take your daily vitamins or meds right before the blood draw — without knowing how they may affect your test.
✅ Why It Matters:
Some supplements (like biotin, iron, or vitamin C) and medications can interfere with lab test results, especially for hormone or thyroid panels.
💡 What to Do Instead:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should pause supplements or medications before testing. For most general tests, meds are fine — but always confirm.
⚠️ Never stop a prescribed medication without medical advice.
😓 4. Arriving Anxious, Rushed, or Unprepared
❌ Mistake:
You show up late, nervous, and without ID or test paperwork — which delays your appointment and raises your stress.
✅ Why It Matters:
Stress can temporarily raise blood pressure, heart rate, and even hormone levels. It also makes the blood draw more uncomfortable and adds pressure to the technician.
💡 What to Do Instead:
- Arrive (or be ready) 10 minutes early
- Bring ID, insurance, and lab orders if required
- Wear short sleeves or loose sleeves
- Practice a few deep breaths before your appointment
If you’re feeling nervous, let your phlebotomist know — we’re here to help and keep things calm.
🧪 5. Forgetting to Mention Recent Illness, Exercise, or Diet Changes
❌ Mistake:
You forget to tell the technician or your provider that you just started a new workout routine, had a cold last week, or started keto — all of which can affect your lab results.
✅ Why It Matters:
Your recent lifestyle changes can cause temporary spikes or dips in test values (e.g., increased white blood cells, altered glucose, elevated liver enzymes). Without context, your provider might misinterpret the results.
💡 What to Do Instead:
Always tell your provider if you’ve experienced any of the following in the past 7 days:
- Fever or cold symptoms
- Intense physical activity
- Significant diet changes
- Dehydration or overhydration
- Alcohol or recreational drug use
- Travel or jet lag
This gives your care team the context they need to interpret your labs correctly.
🧠 Bonus Tips for an Easier Blood Draw
- Avoid caffeine if you’re prone to anxiety or fast heart rate
- Don’t work out 2–3 hours before testing unless told otherwise
- Rest your arm before the draw — tensed muscles can make the vein harder to access
- Plan a snack or juice for afterward, especially if you’ve been fasting
💬 Real Patient Story
“I had no idea that my iron supplement could mess with my thyroid panel. My results came back off, and I had to re-test. The second time, I followed the Curis checklist, and everything went smoothly!”
— Jessica D., First-Time Mobile Patient
🤔 What Happens If You Mess Up?
It’s not the end of the world — but it could delay your care.
If you make one of the above mistakes:
- Your test may need to be rescheduled or re-drawn
- Your provider may need to order follow-up testing
- You may be charged for an extra visit (if it’s outside policy)
That’s why it’s worth taking 5 minutes to prep properly. It saves time, money, and stress in the long run.
✅ How Curis Diagnostic Solutions, LLC Makes It Easy
When you book a mobile blood draw with us, you’ll get:
- 💬 Text and email reminders with fasting or prep instructions
- 👩⚕️ A certified, background-checked phlebotomist at your door
- 📋 Clear documentation of your test and lab requirements
- 🧴 PPE, comfort items, and professional care — every time
We’re here to make lab work less clinical and more convenient.
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Getting a blood test shouldn’t be stressful. With the right information — and a mobile partner like Curis Diagnostic Solutions, LLC — you can skip the confusion and get results that truly reflect your health.
Avoid the common mistakes, follow the checklist, and you’ll be one step ahead.
