Blood Draw FAQ

Q: I do not like getting my blood drawn. Will this hurt?

A: You are not alone - many people are anxious when getting their blood drawn. Our phlebotomists are trained to make your experience comfortable and quick and to help ease your concerns.

Q: What should I expect during a blood draw?

When you come into the private blood drawing station you will be asked to remove your coat, roll-up your sleeve and take a seat in the drawing chair. You can choose which arm you prefer to receive the blood draw from.

The phlebotomist will wrap an elastic band (tourniquet) around your arm to help find a vein. The band may be a little tight on your arm. Once the vein is found, the phlebotomist will sterilize the area where the needle will be inserted. It may feel cold.

The needle will be inserted into your arm and a certain amount of blood will be drawn for the tests you are having. Some people say they feel a pinch when the needle goes in and when it is removed; others say they do not feel the needle.

The draw site will then be covered with a bandage or gauze and Coban (a non-latex adhesive wrap) upon completion.

Q: I have a child that needs blood drawn, what can I expect?

A: Children may remain calm or cry during the blood collection. For children and other patients who are anxious about their visit, our staff will help you feel at ease and answer any questions. Additionally, Bryan Medical Center has special rooms that have been proven to help reduce fear and pain associated with the collection.

For information on what you, as a parent, can expect and do to help with the experience, read “Surviving Blood Draws with Your Kids”.

Q: Why has my doctor ordered this test?

A: Doctors order laboratory tests for a variety of reasons. Therefore, our laboratory or phlebotomy team will refer you to your doctor for questions related to the tests that he/she has ordered.

Q: Where does my blood go once it is drawn?

A: Your blood will be analyzed in the laboratory at Bryan Medical Center on either Bryan East Campus or Bryan West Campus, Crete Area Medical Center, Merrick Medical Center or will be sent to one of our reference laboratories.

Q: Why are you drawing so many tubes of blood?

A: More than one test may have been ordered by the doctor. Different types of tubes are required for different tests.

Q: How do I find out about my test results?

A: Your results will be posted to your Bryan Health MyChart patient portal upon completion. Your doctor will receive the results of your blood tests as well. If you don't have MyChart, we encourage you to sign up so that you can get your test results right away.

Bryan Health MyChart

Q: How long will it take for my doctor to receive my blood test results?

A: Ninety percent of our lab test results are back within 24-48 hours.

Q: Who do I contact if I have questions regarding my lab visit?

A: We encourage you to contact the laboratory with your questions.

Bryan Medical Center: 402-481-5920, option 3
Crete Area Medical Center: 402-826-7911
Grand Island Regional Medical Center: 308-675-4310
Kearney Regional Medical Center: 308-455-3600
Merrick Medical Center: 308-946-3015