lalalisa Posted November 14, 2005 Report Share Posted November 14, 2005 Hello, Tomorrow I am flying to Baltimore. I am getting the blood volume test that I've been trying to have done for a while (my dr. and insurance company would like to know if I have low blood volume before they prescribe Procrit - which makes since) It's the Daxor BVA-100 method which is supposedly the most accurate test available and is only at select hospitals. It's supposed to be 2 hours long and outpatient. I definitely have some concerns because in the past I've passed out when getting my blood drawn and also when my blood pressure is really low it's really difficult to get any blood. I'll keep you posted and let you know how the trip / test go,Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJVDK Posted November 14, 2005 Report Share Posted November 14, 2005 Good luck Lisa!I was very untight when I had mine...... but it open the doors to what was going on! I wish you the best of luck!Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poohbear Posted November 14, 2005 Report Share Posted November 14, 2005 Good luck!!! I'll be thinking about you and hope all goes well and you get the answers you are seeking and the documentation needed for insurance purposes.Let us know when you up to it, how the visit went.Drink extra fluids before the flight and take some high protein high salt snacks with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted November 14, 2005 Report Share Posted November 14, 2005 Hi,When I had mine done I had to lie flat and remain motionless. It's not painful besides the needle beig inserted.I have one again in 2 weeks because the doc wat to make sure that I really need Procrit. Kind of annoying when I have already tested positive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radha Posted November 15, 2005 Report Share Posted November 15, 2005 hi lisa, i hope the trip isnt too strenuous and i hope all trouble of getting the test, is worthwhile and helpful to you, you are such a dear friend, keep me updated, radha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lalalisa Posted November 15, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 15, 2005 Thanks everyone for your support! Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dizzygirl Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 Lisa.. good lcuk on your flight and test.. I hope that all works out well for you!! and that you can get your procrit!!HUGSLinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katie_b Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 Good luck Lisa, although you're probably done with the test.I've heard of that being done before, but I've never had it done myself.I'll be thinking of you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evie Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 Hope it all goes well lisa!Blood tests are not nice .. i faint with them too .. Hopefully they will find the vein easily for you As Poohbear advise ... drink lots of fluids, that can help kepe the viens a bit bigger... Take care and good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoldOnToHope Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 I'm not familiar with this test. How exactly do they check blood volume? Is this becoming a routine test with some of your POTS doctors? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunfish Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 lisa - sorry i'm a bit late chiming in, but i hope all goes well! say hello to baltimore for me...i miss it if you get this and need any recommendations on a good place for a bite to eat or what not before you head home let me know...i'm going to be starting procrit myself so maybe we'll get to embark on the adventure together! melissa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn202 Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 I was supposed to have a blood volume test many times , but kept renegging on it b/c my POTS Dr said there were risks to having it done ..something about the dye used.Is this a Newer test than the one I am describing? And if not how many of you have had this test and were advised about the possible risks, and what did your Dr's think of it?Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunfish Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 WI Mom & Jenn - re: the test, i was told there were few risks when i had it done at vanderbilt. there are older versions as well that aren't thought to be as accurate but honestly i don't know a thing about them.essentially you have to lay still for the test (not hard for me...as long as i was flat...upright would be another story!)they take blood (just a little) at the beginning, then inject a radioactive tracer (VERY low radioactivity...i think they told me less or about the same as one x-ray??). after a period of time, i think about 45min or an hour (my memory is failing me) they take another blood sample. the concept is that in this time the tracer has distributed evenly throughout your blood volume. by measuring the concentration they are able to tell what the blood volume is. i think i may have explained it better in a post sometime back...i'm feeling a bit tongue tied at the moment the concept could be illustrated in another context with food dye, koolaid, etc. if you have small glass of water & put a certain amount of die or powder in it and then have a large glass and put the same amount in, the smaller glass will be more highly concentrated. that's the general idea of the testing...i wouldn't call the test "routine" as of yet b/c as lisa mentioned there aren't a lot of places that do it. even though the tracer is a small amount for each individual test, there is a lot of precaution in terms of storing radioactive materials, etc. on the medical side of things, which i'm sure keeps many facilities from wanting to deal with it. just a guess....but the research facilities are generally interested in it, and it can be helpful in determining if low blood volume is a genuine "cause" of one's symptoms which can - theoretically - help in directing treatment options. in reality though it's not that simple b/c often even those without super low blood volume can benefit from increased blood volume. so many docs treat "as if" there is low volume & don't feel the need for the confirmation...hope this helps, melissa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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