How long does it take for the body to replace blood after blood tests? I'm meant to get a test tomorrow, but I'm feeling really run down/anaemic at the moment and wondering whether I should delay my tests until I'm feeling better…?

A standard FBC, U&E, clotting and a bit for luck comes in at about 15mls, and your total blood volume is about 5 litres.

It's not a lot of blood, and certainly not enough to make the slightest difference to you, anaemic or not.

How much blood do they take at your Docs?? Mine only take a small amount, Are you sure they're not vampires??

Mebbe more reason to have the blood test now ? – it'll tell you if you really are anaemic, rather than just feeling a bit run-down – a few times whilst at uni I was turned away from donating blood 'cos I was anaemic, despite feeling fine.

They don't take that much blood IME, certainly nowhere near as much compared to donating blood.

last time i had tests done, they took 3 syringes full. i don't think it will be that much this time but i usually feel faint and or pass out afterwards. i'm not getting tested for anaemia so it won't make a difference to the test – i'm just wondering whether its a good idea when i'm feeling so bad. 🙂

The three syringes normally total 15-20 mls,not enough to have any physical effect.Based on the usual haematology rule of thumb,that 500mls is replaced in a week,it will take about 16 hours to replace,unless you have a serious problem,in which case,the result is more important than the blood loss.
Ian

according to my sister who works for the vampires(national blood service)the fluid taken during a full donation is replaced in about 24 hours , the red and white cells/antibodies ect take about 72 hours so you should have your 15ml back in an hour or so.

You could be like me and needles just make us feel faint 😉

Speak with the Nurse/Doc if you are concerned.

Its four months between blood donation appointments but I think the fluid lost is replaced within 24 hours – and that's a whole pint! A bit longer for red blood cells to recover.
Have a couple of pints of Guinness the night before?

Make sure they know when they take the blood that you need plenty of recovery time and a cup of tea. Don't let them whisk you out.

okay, i guess i will have the test then. i just don't really want to feel worse than i do at the moment whilst i'm "lower" on blood even if its not that much (i'm seriously struggling to function normally, no energy, can't sleep etc and my iron tabs are taking a while to kick in)

ski, its not the needles as i don't look and i'm fine when i get acupuncture. it happened when i got my piercings as well, just a blood sugar/adrenaline thing.

Guinness sounds a good cure, must try that one 😉