If undergoing pathology tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage here are some general tips on how to make the experience less stressful.
Know what to expect

Sometimes, undergoing an unfamiliar pathology procedure can turn out to be a tense, upsetting, or even frightening experience but with a little preparation you can help ensure that your test is as quick, painless, and accurate as possible. Emotional distress is more likely when your experience with a procedure does not match your expectations or you (or someone you know) have had a bad experience. Knowing what will happen is a good way to reduce this.

The pathology tests you are being asked to have are important in managing your health. Understanding why a test is being performed and how it helps your doctors can improve your attitude and preparation for the test. Being well prepared also helps you feel more relaxed and in control of the situation. Ask your doctor to explain the reasons for your test and how the test will be conducted.  The information you will find under Tests and Conditions/Diseases on this website will also give you useful background information.

Know your tests

When your doctor requests some tests, you should find out why they need to be done, how they will be done, and what the doctor expects to learn from them. Here are some questions you might want to ask:
  • Why does this test need to be done? How could it change the course of my care?
  • What do you (the patient or carer) need to know or do before the test?
  • What happens during and after the test?
  • How much will the test hurt or cause inconvenience? What are its risks?
  • How much will the test cost? Is it covered by Medicare or private insurance?
  • How long will the test take? When will results be available?
  • Where do you need to go to take the test? Is there a 'good' time to have the test?
  • What are normal results? What do abnormal results mean?
  • What factors can affect the results?
  • What course of action may be next, after the test? 
Your doctor (or sometimes a nurse) is the best person to answer these questions. No matter how brief the answers may be, they are likely to provide you with the answer most specific to your situation. After you hear from them, you can get more details from this website.

Relaxation techniques

Knowing a few simple relaxation and focusing techniques can help you avoid tensing your muscles or becoming faint during any difficult pathology procedure. Although the practitioners performing these procedures are generally very skilful and experienced at putting people at their ease,  the following techniques can be helpful.  If you need pathology tests frequently and are anxious, its worth practising these skills at home.

Breathe — Take in three slow breaths, counting one to three for each and breathing through your nose. Push your stomach out as you breathe in (to breathe more deeply). Breathe out through your mouth as you count to six. Slow down the breathing in if you start to feel lightheaded.

Relax your muscles — Consciously relax your muscles. Let them feel loose.

Focus — Find a focal point to look at, or think of a pleasing image.

Count — Count slowly and silently one to ten.

Talk — Chat with someone in the room. The distraction can relax you.

Generally speaking, pathology tests are less intrusive and more comfortable than they were in the past. These days, sample collection equipment has been specially designed with patient comfort in mind.

Understanding what will happen, communicating your needs to the health care providers who are assisting you, using simple relaxation techniques, and knowing how to take care of any associated physical pains will help you. Even the most apprehensive among us can be comfortable and prepared for a pathology test.  The next time your doctor requests some 'routine tests' you can take comfort in knowing the routine.

Giving a blood sample

For most people having blood taken is not a problem, just a minor inconvenience. Others feel anxious and need some strategies to help them cope.  As common and as quick as it is, giving a blood sample is the procedure that causes greatest apprehension.

For a few people the physical condition of their veins makes the procedure hard. This might be because their veins are sore from intravenous (IV) therapy, scarred from frequent venipunctures, or just hard to find and use for blood collection.

There are two main issues:

1) the physical one, enduring the needle, and
2) the emotional one, to see your blood being removed.

Blood test tips

The blood needed for a diagnostic test is usually fairly easy to obtain. It requires a procedure called venipuncture (a term which quite simply means 'puncturing the vein'). The person performing this procedure may be your doctor, a nurse, or someone specially trained in collecting blood samples, a phlebotomist.

Phlebotomists who work in hospitals, cancer clinics, and outpatient settings perform many venipunctures each day. Their experience makes them good at handling difficult situations and people who are distressed. The phlebotomist knows how to put patients at ease and how to help someone who is feeling lightheaded, dizzy or faint.  Knowing that the person collecting your sample has been thoroughly trained and has a high level of competency is reassuring.

What will happen? During venipuncture, the phlebotomist inserts a needle through your skin and into a vein. Most often, they are able to identify a vein in the crook of your elbow that is easily accessible.  The elbow area does not have many nerves so this is a good site; the wrist, hand and foot are other sites that can be used.. A tourniquet is applied around the upper arm to make the vein more obvious. Clenching your fist, when you are asked to, helps make the vein more prominent. The procedure usually takes less than three minutes. Afterward, the patient, or carer, is usually asked to apply gentle pressure, over a clean dressing, to help the blood clot and prevent swelling and bruising.
The amount of blood needed for the tests is taken out through the needle into a syringe. It is usually put into a special tube or tubes. The tubes are sent to a laboratory where the blood is analysed as your doctor has requested on the referral form. After taking the blood, a clean dressing is put over the skin puncture and the patient, or a carer, is usually asked to apply gentle pressure with the fingers. This is to help the blood clot and prevent swelling and bruising.

Will it hurt? When the needle is inserted under the skin you might feel a slight sting and there may be additional discomfort when it is withdrawn. If you are accompanying a child or someone who is anxious, it helps to explain that he or she will feel momentary pain or discomfort. 
Not flowing well? Try drinking water and execrise. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of liquid a day helps blood flow better and makes the veins more likely to stick up and be found easily, so drink plenty of fluids for a day or two before your test. But, also, remember to follow your doctor’s instructions - some tests require that you do not drink certain liquids prior to the test. You may also want to take a walk while waiting, or on your way to the test, to increase blood flow and keep the veins pumped up (routinely doing hand and arm exercises also helps those requiring frequent testing). Even eating well the day before, if fasting is not required, improves blood flow.
Dry Skin? Applying a moisturizer at least 4 times a day, from the hand to the elbow (or wherever you expect the sample to be taken) can make the puncture less painful. Lotions work best when applied just after the skin has just been wet, for example after bathing.
Cold hands? Being warm increases your blood circulation, which makes it easier for the phlebotomist to find a vein. While you are waiting, you may want to leave your coat or sweater on and let your arm dangle down to increase the blood pressure in the veins. If you have difficulty with blood being taken, lying down and warming your hands under a heating pad and blanket usually provide good results.

Getting anxious? Talk about or recall something pleasant while you wait. This takes your mind off your anxiety; you can also bring interesting reading, music, or even relaxation tapes to listen to on a portable player.
Feeling faint? If you are nervous or have a tendency to feel dizzy or faint, tell the phlebotomist before you begin. Your blood can be taken while you are lying down, which will help avoid fainting and causing injury. If, at any time, you feel faint or lightheaded, tell the phlebotomist or someone nearby. Putting your head between your knees or lying down should soon make you feel better. It may be best that avoid driving home
Can't find the vein? If the phlebotomist does not succeed in reaching the vein, sometimes a colleague may step in to help. This keeps both the patient and the phlebotomist from becoming flustered and should be seen as a reassuring step.
What helps afterwards? If you experience swelling, bruising, or pain then follow general first-aid procedures, including putting ice on the site, using the affected arm as little as possible, and taking a pain killer if that is an allowable medication for you. Other complications related to venipuncture are rare.
If you have difficulty with blood being taken

For most people, giving a blood sample is quick, easy and relatively painless. Some people, however, have veins that are quite small or difficult to access. Some veins are scarred from repeated punctures to the vein or they are blocked (occluded). People undergoing chemotherapy, for example, may have more difficulty when their blood is taken because their veins have been punctured so often. For these individuals, venipuncture can involve more than one attempt before the blood is successfully taken.

Experienced patients are likely to take an assertive role in the procedure, telling the person taking the blood the good spots to try or the needles, techniques, or instruments that work well. Women who have had a mastectomy, for example, are likely to tell the phlebotomist which arm to use to avoid the lymph nodes more prone to infection. If you are frustrated by a lack of quick success, try to stay open to the phlebotomist’s suggestions so that together you can create a process that works well for you.

Other methods of collecting blood samples
Finger-pricks - A small number of blood tests require just a finger-prick. A very small sample of blood from your capillaries can be obtained from the fingertip or earlobe, or from the heel or big toe of a newborn baby.
Warming the skin with moist, hot compresses for about 10 minutes helps blood flow to the area. The skin is then pricked with a lancet. Because there are more nerves in the finger than in your elbow, you may find that a finger-prick is a bit more painful than venipuncture even though it can seem less intimidating.
Arterial samples - In more critical situations patients admitted into hospital may require blood to be taken from arteries. This procedure, known as an arterial sample, is performed by a doctor or specially-trained nurse. A local anaesthetic may be administered and afterwards the nurse applies pressure to stop the bleeding and prevent bruising.
Complications related to venipuncture

Venipuncture is an invasive procedure because a needle is inserted through the skin to reach a vein. It is however a very safe procedure. Millions of venipunctures are performed in Australia every year. 

By far the most common complication of venipuncture is bruising at the site of the needle puncture. This usually appears within 24 hours and may range in size from a small spot to a large purple bruise. It is caused by blood leaking from the punctured vein out into the tissues just under the skin, which can be reduced by using finger pressure on the site for a minute or so after the venipuncture.

Bruising is more likely if the collection is difficult, if pressure is not maintained on the site for a minute or so after the venipuncture, if you are taking anti-clotting medicines such as aspirin or warfarin, you are an elderly person with fragile veins, or if you exercise your arm soon after the venipuncture for example by lifting heavy shopping bags.

While bruising is unsightly it is not dangerous and will slowly disappear over a few days or weeks, depending on how extensive it is. Large bruises may become tender for a few days because the cells that are involved in mopping up the bruise release substances that cause the area to become sore. This is uncommon but again not dangerous, it is part of the healing process. However, if the tenderness is bothering you, you should contact the person or clinic where you had the venipuncture.

Very rarely a small artery, which contains blood at much higher pressure than in veins, will lie unusually close to or underneath a vein. In this situation the artery may be accidentally punctured at the time of venipuncture. If this happens you generally become aware of it within a few minutes because a painful deep swelling can be felt and sometimes seen near the area of the venipuncture. Tell the collector if this happens as it is necessary to apply firm pressure to the area for at least 5 minutes. Almost inevitably you will develop extensive and sometimes spectacular bruising on the lower part of the arm over the next two to three days because the blood leaks to the underside of your arm with gravity. While this may appear dramatic it is not dangerous and will gradually disappear over a couple of weeks.

There are some rare complications of venipuncture but you have to be unlucky to suffer one of these. For example you may have a tiny branch of one of the sensory nerves of the arm actually running over the surface of the vein. Rarely, the needle will hit this tiny nerve on the way into the vein. This may cause a short, sharp electric-shock type pain. This may be all that happens; however in some cases tingling type of pain may persist for one to four weeks, as the nerve heals. This is inconvenient and may be unpleasant but it eventually heals up.

Another rare complication of venipuncture is for a small clot (or thrombus) to form in the vein at the site of the venipuncture. This is noticeable as a small firm lump just under the skin at the venipuncture site. The lump may or may not be tender and will go away over a couple of weeks.

Finally, there is the possibility of infection developing at the site of the venipuncture. This is extremely rare and would be noticed as developing redness and pain at the site of the venipuncture. Most times discolouration and tenderness around the venipuncture site are the result of bruises healing but if you are worried contact the person or clinic where you had the blood collection done or visit your doctor.

Tips to help children






Blood tests





Urine specimens

Some suggestions to minimise the stress of the moment.









Stool sample


Some tips to make sample collection go smoothly.


Throat cultures




Tips to help the elderly

What seems like a simple pathology test to the average adult can be significantly more challenging to the elderly person who is more frail. Here are a few reasons to take extra care when an older person requires a pathology test.
  • The elderly are more likely to have problems with their vision and hearing, which may make it difficult for them to follow instructions or understand what must happen for the specimen to be properly collected
  • Even a blood test can be more difficult because the skin is thinner, the subcutaneous tissue is less resilient, and the veins are more fragile and prone to tearing when punctured. The person may prefer one phlebotomist in particular who they like or who handles them well
  • For a person with dementia, even a brief sample collection procedure can be very traumatic for the patient. In this case, the need for testing must be carefully scrutinised.
If testing is a burden for an elderly person you know, talk to the doctor about the situation.
The challenge of getting there
Transport to the hospital, clinic or surgery can present problems for the elderly, who may not drive and may be dependent on someone else to take them to their medical appointments. Reducing stress on the driver can make for a more positive experience.
Planning ahead — If you must go somewhere unfamiliar for a test, get good directions on where it is and how far you must walk; this will help eliminate stress. Find out if it will be easier for the person having the test to be dropped off at a particular entrance. You may also want to inquire about busy times and plan to avoid them.
Issues of safety
Falls are common and especially serious in older people. Bathrooms can be particularly hazardous. Pay attention to safety when collecting a urine or stool sample, particularly for individuals who have mobility or vision problems. Your focus on the collection process may prevent you from noticing hazards or unsafe conditions in the room, so gather what is needed and plan ahead.
Tripping — Before you begin, remove rugs and loose mats.
Falls — Encourage the elderly person to use grab bars or other supports near the toilet area to help prevent injuries from falls.
The need for help

It is not uncommon for an elderly person to need some assistance when taking a sample for a pathology test. A person with arthritis, joint stiffness, or other mobility problems may find it difficult to obtain a urine or stool sample without some help.

A person with dementia may be unable to follow the instructions on obtaining an appropriate urine specimen. They may also become confused or agitated when someone tries to do this for them. A person who does not see well or has poor manual dexterity can have trouble using specimen cups, or blood glucose monitors for diabetes.
Instructions — An older person may have trouble hearing verbal directions, reading printed instructions, remembering when a test is scheduled or what it is for. Always ask for written instructions, preferably concise ones in large type. When giving oral instructions, take it one step at a time, and use a calm and reassuring tone; before you begin, seek to minimise noise and distractions and create a calm environment.
Special equipment — Special equipment for collection can make certain procedures easier and safer. A urine sample may be more easily collected in a receptacle placed in the toilet rather than in a cup or jar that has to be held. A magnifying glass with a bright light attachment can help a diabetic patient with vision loss self-monitor their blood glucose. Using a different kind of lancet or needle may prove easier, less painful, or less intimidating to use to obtain the blood.
Hired help — Although nursing homes have personnel to assist with sample collection procedures, sheltered housing facilities do not always provide such nursing support. If you, as an elderly person, need assistance where none is available, you may be entitled to help from a community nurse or care assistant.
Privacy —Helping a person obtain a urine or stool sample can be a task neither party finds particularly pleasant. The person needing the help may be embarrassed, and the person providing the help may find the odours and cleaning tasks offensive. Provide as much privacy as is safely possible to increase everyone’s comfort levels.