Blood Work in West Bridgewater, MA
Ready to get started?
Contact Uswhat is blood work?
Also called phlebotomy, a blood draw or blood work is a procedure for laboratory testing in which a needle is used to collect blood from a vein to help diagnose certain blood disorders or other conditions and diseases. Most blood draws do not require any special preparations, but you might need to fast for several hours before blood is drawn. Our laboratory team at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow for your blood test. Blood draws are performed with the highest safety measures, including thorough handwashing for the phlebotomist, sterile gloves and equipment, and disinfection with 70% alcohol. Used needles are placed into a designated puncture-resistant bin for disposal. Our medical providers typically request the following blood tests from patients:
- A complete blood count (CBC)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
- Lipid panel
- Hormone panel
- Thyroid panel
- HA1C
To learn more about phlebotomy and what your blood can reveal about your health, set up an appointment at our West Bridgewater, MA practice today.
What to Expect from blood work
Our phlebotomist usually draws blood from the median cubital vein in your arm where the elbow bends because the vein is easy to see and puncture. However, for some patients, this vein may be difficult to draw blood from, but there are alternate veins that can be considered for the blood draw. Once a vein in your arm has been found, the technician will tie a wide elastic band or tourniquet a few inches above the vein, making the vein more prominent.
Next, your skin will be wiped with an alcohol swab to clean the area where the needle will go in. The puncture from the needle will feel like a little pinch. Blood flows through the needle into a thin plastic tube for storage until the blood is ready for testing. When the needle is released from your arm, you might feel a little pinch again. Pressure is applied at the puncture site before it is covered with a bandage.
Our on-site laboratory performs testing and screening services, providing patients with a convenient opportunity to get their tests completed quickly.
Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology Reviews
Highly recommend this doctors office! Everybody there is nice, caring, and friendly. All of the office staff are great and one of the office managers, James, is even the son of Dr. Terzian - which I feel gives it a welcoming vibe & feeling. Nowadays family owned shops are dwindling and this business has a nice personal feel to it. The medical coverage I have received has been terrific, very thorough, and extremely professional as well. They do their best to fit me in if needed and everybody always says hello. The office is always clean and well maintained. Plus they have an in-office lab to do blood work and labs as well. They offer same day sick visits, so if you do not feel well you do not have to go to an urgent care either. Overall = 5 stars
132
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Get In Touch
Monitor Your Health
Drawing blood allows us to perform a wide range of laboratory analyses to diagnose a variety of health concerns. Blood work is important in monitoring your health, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or unpleasant. Please ask for assistance if you have needle or blood anxieties. If you need blood work done, please get in touch with our team at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology in West Bridgewater, MA to schedule an appointment.
Learn More About BPCAC
About UsBlood Work FAQs
Why might my doctor recommend fasting before a blood test?
Fasting before certain blood tests helps provide more accurate results by ensuring that recent food or drink doesn't affect the levels of specific substances in your blood, like glucose or cholesterol. When you eat, your body breaks down food into sugars, fats, and other molecules that can interfere with these readings. Fasting typically means avoiding all food and drinks, except water, for about 8-12 hours. This way, the test results reflect a more stable measure of your body's natural levels rather than any temporary changes from your last meal.
Can I take my medications before a blood test?
This depends on the test and the type of medications you're on. Some medications may interfere with specific tests, while others may need to be continued to accurately assess your current health. For instance, thyroid medication levels are often assessed based on your regular dosage, so your doctor might ask you to continue taking them. However, it's best to discuss your medication list before your blood draw to make sure you're preparing correctly.
How does hydration affect blood test results?
Staying hydrated before a blood test helps make your veins easier to access and can prevent dehydration, which may concentrate certain substances in the blood. Well-hydrated blood is easier for phlebotomists to draw, making the experience smoother and potentially quicker for you. Dehydration, on the other hand, can lead to elevated levels of some markers, which might affect your results. If in doubt, it's safe to drink water unless you've been instructed to fast completely.