A little preparation can help you feel more comfortable and know what to expect. Whether you’re preparing for yourself or helping someone else, our Portland-based team is here to help.
Follow your test’s preparation instructions
Not every blood test requires fasting. Follow the instructions from your ordering provider, receiving laboratory, or test-kit instructions, including any timing requirements. If instructions are missing or unclear, ask before your appointment rather than guessing.
If you ate, drank, or took something outside those instructions, tell us before collection so we can clarify whether to proceed.
Water, warmth and comfort
Plain water is usually allowed before a fasting blood test. Follow your test instructions and any fluid restrictions from your healthcare provider; do not increase your fluid intake against their advice.
Wear clothing that gives easy access to your arm and keep comfortably warm. Tell your phlebotomist about previous difficult draws or feeling faint during blood collection.
Medications and supplements
Do not stop, skip, or change prescribed medication unless your prescribing provider instructs you to. Ask in advance whether your test needs to be timed around a dose. Tell your provider about vitamins and supplements, and have an up-to-date medication list available.
Comfort, sensory needs, and needle anxiety
Tell us about needle anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or accommodations that may help. We can discuss your needs before the visit and explain each step during collection. A successful or painless draw cannot be guaranteed.
Routine blood draws are available for children age 10 and older, subject to clinical suitability. For children under 10, we begin with a $25 vein assessment to determine whether a blood draw may be attempted. If the assessment is favorable, we may attempt the collection during the same visit. When collection is completed, the $25 assessment fee is credited toward the collection charge. If collection is not attempted or is unsuccessful, the assessment fee remains due. An assessment does not guarantee a collection attempt or successful draw. To arrange an assessment, please call (971) 204-6819. Online blood-draw booking is not available for children under 10.
What to have ready when we arrive
- Identification: Have the patient’s photo ID ready. For children’s identification requirements, see our Mobile Blood Draws page. Mobile Blood Draws
- Provider order: Upload it during booking or have your provider send it. Orders may be faxed to (971) 200-8669. For email submission instructions, contact orders@stumptownlabservices.com. If you plan to use a paper order at the visit, call first.
- Test kit: Have the kit, instructions and required paperwork ready.
- Collection space: Prepare a well-lit area with a clean surface and a comfortable place to sit.
- Access: Share parking, entry and accessibility instructions in advance, and keep pets away from the collection area.
What the visit is actually like
Most routine blood-draw visits take about 5–10 minutes. Additional collections, paperwork or individual needs may take longer.
We confirm your identity against the order, set up on a clean surface with sterile single-use supplies, perform the collection, and label every tube in front of you at the point of collection. Then we pack the specimen for the route or shipment your order requires.
Follow your phlebotomist’s instructions for pressure, bandaging and activity after collection. Tell them immediately if you feel dizzy or unwell. A small bruise can occur. Seek medical advice if bleeding does not stop with firm pressure or you develop worsening pain, redness or swelling.
How results reach you
Stumptown collects, handles, processes where applicable, and delivers or ships your specimen. Testing and reported results come from the laboratory named on your order or kit, and they reach you through that laboratory's or your provider's normal process — usually a patient portal or a call from the ordering provider. We do not interpret results.
Common questions
- Do I need to fast for my blood draw?
- Follow the instructions from your ordering provider, receiving laboratory, or test kit. Not every blood test requires fasting. If the instructions are missing or unclear, ask before your appointment.
- Can I drink coffee before a fasting draw?
- Plain water is generally permitted during a fast; coffee is not a substitute for water. Follow the specific instructions for your test.
- How long does an at-home blood draw take?
- Most routine blood-draw visits take about 5–10 minutes. Additional collections, paperwork or individual needs may take longer.
- What if I have small or difficult veins, or I'm anxious about needles?
- Tell us about previous experiences and what helps you when you book, so we can discuss your needs before the visit. We cannot guarantee a successful first attempt.
This guide provides general preparation information and does not replace instructions from your healthcare provider or receiving laboratory. For specimens sent to an outside laboratory, that laboratory performs the testing and reports the results. Stumptown does not interpret laboratory results.