The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. For infants, the sample may be obtained by pricking the heel. What you can expectįor a hemoglobin test, a member of your health care team takes a sample of blood by pricking your fingertip or inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. Your doctor will give you specific instructions. If your blood sample will be used for other tests, you may need to fast for a certain amount of time before the sample is taken. If your blood sample is being tested only for hemoglobin, you can eat and drink normally before the test.
