1.   Data were recorded at clinic visits every two weeks, at which time blood was taken for measurement of fructosamine concentrations.

2.   Having blood taken, like many other minor medical procedures, is much worse in prospect than in practice.

3.   She once pricked my finger-a gentle, hilarious spearing-and took some blood for a lesson on cells.

4.   Sterilized needles for taking blood are never reused.

5.   Heparinised blood was taken from apparently healthy volunteers for use as effector cells for cytotoxicity.

6.   On admission blood was taken for haematology and biochemistry and for leukocyte and red cell labelling.

7.   In every case, blood was taken on admission for determination of carbamylated haemoglobin.

8.   Another patient was found to be taking a blood thinner she did not need but not taking anticholesterol drugs she did need.

9.   Before taking blood, blood banks question potential donors about where they have lived or traveled, past illnesses and about high-risk behaviors, such as drug abuse.