Blood tests can be the most traumatic and stressful time for your child and for everyone else involved. I remember one time when Caitlin was very young, it took nearly two hours, three different phlebotomists and two trips away to breastfeed her before they were successfully able to get the amount of blood they needed. Apparently, Caitlin doesn’t bleed very well, and her veins like to disappear. After many blood tests for Caitlin, and also taking her two older brothers, I have learnt a few tips and tricks along the way to try to make the experience a little easier:
- The most important tip is to make sure your child is well hydrated. A good breast feed, full bottle or lots of water beforehand. The more hydrated they are, the plumper and more visible their veins will be.
- Being warm will increase the blood circulation which makes it easier to find a vein.
- Communication beforehand. Discuss feelings and what is going to happen. Roleplay at home. Make a game of keeping still. Create a social story about the experience.
- The more comfortable they are, the easier it will be. This may mean cuddling/holding a favourite toy, blanket or stress/fidget toy or ball, them sitting in the chair on their own, them sitting on the chair with you squished next to them, sitting on your lap, cuddling tummy to tummy, lying on a bed or even sitting or lying on the floor.
- Distraction; singing their favourite song, listening to music, reading their favourite book, watching their favourite show on a phone or iPad. Just remember that you may not have a spare hand to hold anything as you will probably be holding your child so another person may be needed to hold something.
- Dress them in loose easy to access clothes.
- A numbing cream such as Emla Cream can be purchased at a chemist to use to numb the area before the blood test.
- If a blood test is way too traumatic for you child, a mild sedative such as Midaz can be given at a hospital to then allow them to be able to successfully complete the blood test there.
- If your child has an upcoming surgery and they are due for a blood test around the same time, ask for bloods to be taken while they are still under anaesthetic. I’ve done this with Caitlin, it’s so much easier.
- Finally, if your child is old enough like my two boys; bribery can be a very powerful tool – if they are brave; a promised treat afterwards like McDonald’s or an ice-cream, a new toy or a packet of Pokemon cards.
Hope these tips help!
