Laboratory diagnostics

Blood sampling can be done at a pre-booked appointment, when you make a reservation on the wmc.hu website or through the call centre. In most cases it is advisable to arrive on an empty stomach, otherwise blood sugar, blood lipids, liver function results may be confusing. After checking in at reception, our staff will accompany you to the laboratory.

Once you are comfortable, our blood collector will apply a tourniquet to your upper arm. This helps to keep the veins filled with blood. This is followed by disinfection of the skin over the vein. Then, using a needle or, if necessary (a branul – e.g. if a CT scan is to follow), a colleague will puncture the vein through the skin. After the puncture, you will feel a sharp pain for a short time while the needle passes through the skin. Blood will be collected through a device attached to the needle, or branula, into different amounts and types of tubes depending on the type of test. Each tube collects up to 15 ml of blood and fills up in a few seconds. The clamping band is loosened, and after a sufficient sample has been taken, the needle is removed and the puncture site sealed. It is recommended that the puncture site is pressed for at least 2-3 minutes to avoid bleeding and thus purple staining (bruising, haematoma).

Taking anticoagulants (e.g. aspirin), blood thinners (e.g. Syncumar, Lixiana), certain diseases (e.g. haemophilia) or advanced age increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. Please make sure you tell our colleague about any of these medications or medical conditions you are taking before you have your blood taken. If a bran implant has been inserted, the above recommendation also applies to its removal.

*Collection of blood is only possible from the age of 6 years.

The samples will be sent to our laboratory partner and the results will be sent to you by email, usually within 24 hours. Some tests may take longer to be evaluated, our colleague will inform you of this when you collect your blood.

Do not eat or drink sugary drinks 9-12 hours before the test, as these may affect the results. However, drinking tap water and non-carbonated mineral water is highly recommended, as this helps to keep the veins full, making blood sampling easier and less complicated. It is recommended that you drink at least two glasses of water before the blood test.

For certain tests, it is not recommended to take all of your regular medication. Your doctor will tell you if this is necessary.

Blood sampling rarely has complications, but they can.

Bruising, which can occur after blood is drawn at the puncture site. The possibility of this is reduced by keeping the arm outstretched (not bent) while applying pressure to the puncture site with cotton wool or a dressing for at least 2-3 minutes. If bruising does occur (which is more likely if the vein is harder to find and puncture), it should not require any special treatment and will drain on its own.

If you experience a painful, purple lump, it may be the result of a larger haemorrhage or haematoma. If the lump is large, it may also press on a peripheral nerve, which can lead to numbness and pain. Thus, if you experience a large, painful haematoma, a medical examination is always recommended to assess the severity and the need for treatment.

In some cases, fainting may occur when blood is drawn. This is a harmless loss of consciousness that resolves quickly on lifting the leg or on its own. If you have experienced fainting as a reaction to this or any other situation, please tell our colleague who will put you to bed for the blood test to avoid injury!

As blood sampling also involves a small wound along the puncture site, it is rare that this can lead to inflammation or infection. To avoid this, we disinfect the skin before the puncture and use a technique called aseptic technique. Inflammation or infection is indicated when the puncture site is swollen, red and painful. In such cases, icing, anti-inflammatory creams and, in some cases, antibiotics may be necessary. A medical examination is recommended to determine this. Very rarely, a blood clot may form in the veins. Signs of this are painful, bunchy, stringy-feeling veins. If it spreads to larger veins, the arm may swell. In this case, a medical examination, in some cases an ultrasound scan and, in the case of a confirmed deep vein thrombosis (blood clot), blood thinning treatment is essential.

Once again, we would like to emphasise prevention. It is important to drink enough water before and after the blood test. It is also important to keep pressure on the puncture site for 2-3 minutes while keeping the arm stretched. Do not strain your arm or do heavy physical work that day.

It is a simple, small bruise that does not bulge, does not cause pain and does not require any work. A large bruise or hematoma, especially if it forms a lump, requires icing. Apply ice through clothing or textiles for 15 minutes every 2-3 hours (mycelium is also suitable). It is important not to apply ice directly to the skin, as this will cause frostbite.

In the case of inflammation, icing or the application of an anti-inflammatory ointment 2-3 times a day is recommended. In more severe cases, antibiotic treatment may be necessary.

In addition to the above, if there are signs of blood clots, the arm should be waxed and Lioton gel applied 2-3 times a day. The recommended creams are available without prescription.

If the haematoma is extensive, painful, accompanied by numbness, swelling of the arm, signs of inflammation or clotting, or if you are concerned about blood collection and its complications, we recommend that in addition to starting the treatments suggested above, you visit our Walk-IN Centre where we can provide the necessary advice, tests and treatment