Table of Contents
- Overview
- Results
- Risks
- Prevention
Rupture of some of the red blood cells (hemolysis) in the blood sample may affect test results.
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Special considerations
The health care provider will usually take blood or red blood-cell
The blood test for levels of vitamin B12 has become much more accurate within the past few years. Now, there are fewer false-normal results, because the test only measures biologically active B12.
A
Previous Section
Review Date: 03/21/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and
Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab,
Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
