So, you need to have some blood tests

For many of us, giving blood or having a sample taken for diagnostic lab tests is fairly easy.  But if you get queasy just thinking about it or were not blessed with bulging veins, having your blood drawn can be stressful. There are some things you can do to optimize your blood drawing experience:

• Drink water.
  Most laboratory tests are ordered as fasting blood work. That means that you do not eat for 12-14 hours prior to the test, usually overnight (fasting longer than 14 hours is not a good idea). Not only can you drink water during that time, you should. Adequate hydration makes your veins easier to find and ensures that your test values are accurate. Besides, you will feel better!  Having that morning cup of java or tea won’t adversely affect most tests, but it must be black: no additives, such as cream or soy milk, syrups, sugar, honey, lemon, or artificial sweeteners.
• If possible, schedule your blood work when you are not on a tight schedule.
  The staff cannot predict how busy they will be, so you may have to wait awhile. Allow for that. Being stressed out will not improve your health and may negatively influence your lab tests.
• Alert the phlebotomist if you have ever passed out when you had your blood drawn.
  Do not be embarrassed; you cannot will yourself NOT to faint. There is no reason to risk a fall or injury. Prevention is as easy as providing you with a place to lie down while your blood is drawn. Fainting is your body’s way of getting your head level with the rest of your body so blood flow returns to your brain. You cannot faint when you are lying down. Your health care providers will be happy to accommodate you.
• If you are a difficult draw, tell the phlebotomist where you have successfully had blood drawn before.
  You know your body and your experiences better than anyone else. A good phlebotomist will appreciate knowing which site is best. Even if you have the same person draw your blood every time, you may need to remind them.
• If the person drawing your blood can’t get a sample after two tries, someone else should be called. If not, it is OK for you to ask for another phlebotomist.
  Standard laboratory practice is for the phlebotomist to ask for assistance after two unsuccessful attempts to get a blood sample from a patient. Anyone can have an off day. Fresh eyes always bring a new perspective, and there may be someone else on duty with more experience or better skills.

~Kristi B. Weber, MT (ASCP)
Laboratory Director, LMG

Adult Flu Shots Available Now!

We now have adult flu vaccinations available! Cost is only $30 – we are happy to bill most major insurance companies. Walk-ins are welcome!

Holiday Hours – Labor Day Weekend

Lacamas Medical Group will be open it’s regular hours on Saturday, September 4th. We will be closed on Monday, September 6 in observance of Labor Day.

Back to School – Immunizations and Sports Physicals

It’s that time of year again! Lacamas Medical Group will hold a FREE back to school immunization clinic on August 18 from 4 – 7pm. Free immunizations are for uninsured or underinsured school age children only. You must bring your child’s immunization record and a parent or guardian must be present.

Walk-in sports physical clinics will be held Wednesday, August 4th 4 – 7pm, Tuesday, August 17th from 4 – 7pm and Wednesday September 1 from 4 – 7pm. Bring your athletic participation packet with your section filled out. The cost is $40 and is not billable to insurance. Washougal High School and Camas High School require participants to have  a current physical exam report on file in the school office prior to the first turn-out. Physical exams are good for two years from the date of exam. Washougal forms may be downloaded here. Camas forms may be downloaded here.