forbess

Hi

I am new to this forum, I hope that someone can help. I am due to have my medical in a couple of weeks and I am very worried about having the HIV test as I am terrified on needles - I am wondering if the test is like taking/giving blood or if it is more of a "pin prick" just to get some blood and test it that way?

I am hoping for the latter!! If anyone can give me their experience that would be great.

Many thanks

Sharon

Ka Ora!

Blood tests usually come from the upper-side of your elbow on the forearm, Not much pain involved. But it is a needle that goes in which is about a inch long then two or three test tubes are drawn out. No worries


A little like this

Ms_Fi

I had my bloods taken while I had still had the blood pressure cuff on - was so distracted by how tight the cuff was that I didn't notice the needle going in.

SillyOldBag

I'm not good with having blood taken either, but I just look the other way and concentrate on something else. If I think about what is going on then I'm liable to faint. Actually, the blood test for the immigration medical was the best one I've ever had - hardly felt a thing and absolutely no bruising!