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A blood test involves taking a sample of your blood and sending it to a lab for analysis. Blood tests are necessary in the emergency room to quickly gain information that can help diagnose and manage medical emergencies.
Experts at Dignity Health provide blood tests in the Greater Sacramento area as part of our emergency services. Blood tests given as emergency care are at the request of your clinical team only. For trusted 24/7 emergency care, call 911 or visit your nearest Dignity Health ER.
In the emergency room, one of our doctors, nurses, or technicians will draw your blood to collect the sample. This may require several tubes (or vials) of blood, depending on the test. Once the sample goes to the lab, it takes about an hour to get the results. The doctor will discuss the results and their meaning with you.
There are only minor risks from blood tests. This includes discomfort from the needle and bruising at the site.
The provider who draws your blood will apply pressure to the site to stop the bleeding. You will have a small bandage with a cotton ball to absorb any remaining blood. You can usually remove the bandage within a few hours.
Emergency blood tests fall under the following general categories:
Dignity Health offers advanced emergency blood tests in Sacramento, CA and surrounding areas.