Why did nurse ask me this before blood test

[Justmehmehmeh]

Was having my blood taken the other morning for a long list of things. The nurse asked me if I’d been on any antibiotics/medication in the last 5 days-fair enough, But she then asked if it hurts when I wee and if I bleed regularly and how often I bleed (as in periods)
Never been asked these things before
Is it weird?

Depends what she was taking the blood for.

Is it weird she's asking medical questions when you're in a medical setting? Not really, no.
I would have asked at the time - it's likely she had a condition in mind that you could be suffering with that ties into the reason for you having a blood test, and was being cautious.

When I have my B12 injections it generates a tab on the NHS app under treatments or something (only just able to see it so forgotten what it's called) which has a Comments section under it. I presume that if I said something she wanted other nurses/GP to know about that could be relevant she would put it in there?

They sound fairly routine health questions and it’s possible whoever ordered the bloods asked for them to be brought up.

Was she an actual nurse or phlebotomist?

Where my blood is taken its an open room in a group setting so I would be unimpressed with personal questions at that point

Why didn't you ask why?

It may be relative to what the bloods were being taken for. For example, it wouldn't be an unusual question if you're having bloods taken because you are having a gynecologic problem. It would be unusual if they are checking your thyroid function.

Did you have a urine sample done at the same time?

Probably not if its relating to what your having the blood test for

Had a urine sample taken too. Blood tests for a wide variety of things-kidney stones, checking thyroid, hormones, iron, heart, AMA etc

It was just a lady taking blood in the test clinic, no one else present

There must have been something on your form that necessitated her asking you as I've had a lot of blood taken over the past few years, and have never been asked anything like that - you should have asked her at the time! Or if you are concerned, phone your GP's surgery and ask. Is there are reason you are perturbed by the questions, or just curious?

@OolongTeaDrinker Just feeling a bit paranoid about it! My Dr is also sending me for heart tests and internal scan-ovaries etc, I went as I’m feeling so tired all the time, but I also have kidney stones, I suspect this is causing the tiredness or possibly Peri as I’m the right age. Was just a little surprised by the questions

@TheTartfulLodger heavy menstrual bleeding can occur in hypothyroidism I think. So not unusual to ask

If you're having bloods and urine, it's likely additional info for the forms to help the lab interpret some of the results.

What is your concern about these questions exactly?

Blood tests have to be interrupted in context -which includes the person's health. It sounds like she was gathering information in order to guide interpretation of the tests when the results are available.

You went in for urine and blood tests you were asked questions about urinating and bleeding. I am not sure what surprises you about that.
If she asked you whether you have an itch on your nose, I would find it highly unusual. Either way, you should have asked her during the appointment as none of us would know anything about your health history or the procedure to be able to answer that.

Given this the questions seem appropriate and related to the blood tests, I don't know why you would be bothered by them?...🤨

There is always a section when sending samples to write clinical information. It helps the pathologists determine if these are appropriate tests and if findings fit the clinical picture. They may also add on tests that also seem appropriate.

With things like this they are as much trying to rule things out as in, it’s a process of elimination. So the more questions the better that they can work out what’s going on for you.

I've never had a phlebotomist (or a nurse simply taking blood) ask me anything about symptoms or the reason that I'm having blood taken. Surely that's intrusive? It's not as though she's part of the diagnostic team. The doctor orders the tests, the person taking the blood test is simply the middle man between the doctor and the lab. There's nothing she can do with your answers.

@saraclara Exactly, I thought the same, have had lots of blood tests, never been asked anything aside from if I take any medications

Hi OP
I'm guessing its part of the questions that a woman may be asked with a certain blood test. However, I'm sure that someone, an expert will come along and say different

Good luck!!

why didn’t you ask her?

Heavy periods, low iron?
Kidney stones causing infection?