Sr. Lab Guy
20 Years Experience
San Bernardino, CA
Male, 52
For 6 years I was a Laboratory Technician in the Air Force Reserves, working all aspects of the laboratory as well as accomplishing "blood draws" (phlebotomy) in every imaginable setting (inpatient and outpatient). I have also worked in the private sector for hospitals, doctor offices, and clinical lab sites. This was my primary field for 20 total years (which began with the Air Force training). I've been in a new career for ten years, though I recall virtually all of my lab science.
As a lab technician and phlebotomist, I was never involved with drug testing of hair samples. I recommend you call a local hospital lab and ask for the phone number of a reference lab that handles this type of testing and give them a call. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
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Samir, this sounds like a very slow blood draw when using a multi-sample system (such as the BD Eclipse blood collection system). Most commonly this is caused by the tip of the needle not sitting well inside the vein. I'm going to presume that the tourniquet is tight enough (if it isn't, a fellow phlebotomist or a nurse can re-tighten it for you). You should gently and ever so slowly withdraw the needle a bit to allow better blood flow and if that doesn't work, ever so slowly push the needle in a tiny bit farther. Both of these methods are best done while, with your free hand, carefully pulling down on the skin (using your thumb) below the site, to help stabilize the vein. If that doesn't work, you can try redirecting the needle with caution. The risk here is the same as any "slow draw" incident: hemolysis and even blood clotting in the tube or needle before the draw is complete.
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Hi thanks for your question, Quantitative analysis, or "How much"" of a substance, is usually done on blood samples in a regular laboratory. Forensic labs may be able to quantify other samples but I don't know if that includes hair. You could Google a forensic lab or your local coroners office for more info if you like.
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Hi Justin. Go ahead and ask away. I'll do my best.
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Hi thank you for your question. This sounds like the patient may have an underlying condition that is contributing to falsely low WBC and platelet levels. Since I am not a physician I really couldn't say what those conditions are. There are ways to separate cells in the blood outside of the body. A process called "phoresis" is one I've heard of. But for a very good answer to your question call a local hospital, ask for the lab, then ask for a "Lab Tech". They could help you with this question better than I.
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Hi Umm, Sorry it took so long to answer your question, I had a family emergency near the beginning of the year. Ok, the short answer: a physician would be the one to ask this question because the over all answer would likely depend on your situation, activity levels, age, history, etc. The longer answer I will give is a generalization that could apply to anybody. Most of the tests you listed (except for "glycemia" - perhaps you meant glycohemoglobin?) would not be affected by a 16 hour fast from food and drink. In general, though, if you were severely dehydrated it is possible that your CBC could show a falsely elevated hemoglobin, meaning that if you are anemic, it could show that you are normal (as one example). Your urine could possibly show a higher myoglobin (if I remember correctly), meaning you are dehydrated. Overall, a 16 hour fast shouldn't affect lab results negatively. As for questions about your health during and after the fast, you would have to consult with a physician.
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Hi Ryab, Well, to be honest, it could be a problem. We had a gentleman in my military class that would sweat profusely and faint during the "first trials". He eventually was pulled from the class and reassigned. It's possible on the civilian side you could ask for counseling, but I'm guessing at best. To my knowledge, most lab techs have to be phlebotomy certified. Check with your program to see what your options are. Good luck in your endeavors!
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