14. Having a Blood Test in the Lab



1.

A: The doctor sent me over here to have my blood drawn.

B: Certainly, please have a seat and roll up your left sleeve.

A: What is this test for?

B: Well, today your doctor wants us to check your white blood cell count.

A: What does that tell him?

B: Well, if it is elevated, you might have an infection.

A: Will the blood test hurt?

B: It is only a little pin stick. I am going to put a tourniquet on your arm to puff your veins up.

A: Ouch!

B: There we go! I got the blood that I needed.



2.

A: My doctor says that I need a blood test.

B: I can help you with that. Just have a seat and roll up your left sleeve.

A: What are you taking my blood for?

B: Your doctor has requested a check of your white blood count.

A: What information does that give him?

B: If your white blood cell count is off, it could signal an infection somewhere in your body.

A: Is a blood test painful?

B: I am putting a tourniquet on your arm to plump up the vein. It will only feel like a little pin prick.

A: My God, that hurts!

B: That was it! Thank you for coming in today.



3.

A: I came to this lab to have my blood drawn.

B: You are in the right place. Roll up your left sleeve and have a seat.

A: What am I being tested for?

B: Your doctor wants to know what your white blood cell count is.

A: What does my white blood cell count tell him?

B: Usually if your white count is off, the doctor suspects an infection.

A: How much will it hurt?

B: It is only a pin prick. I have to put this tourniquet on your arm to make the vein easier to find.

A: Is that my blood going into that tube?

B: That blood that just filled the tube is all that I needed. Thanks for coming in!



Practice the Conversations of This Topic with Mike