DS aged 3 has blood tests in morning

[MarmMummy]

and I've been given cream and plasters to apply first.

2 plasters have to be on the hands and 2 on the arms. Does anyone know if it is on the inside of the elbow, or just above/below?

Also, how strict is the 1 hour before appointment time slot for applying the cream? Could I do it a bit earlier or will it wear off?

Thanks!!

[moosemama]

Hi MarsMummy

They take the blood from just inside the crook of the elbow on the lower half of the arm so that's where you need to apply the emla and plasters.

I always apply as close to 1 hour as possible as too little time and they make you wait while it works, too long and it might start wearing off.

The only other thing I can think of is to put the cream on as thick as you can, you may find the plasters are a bit slidey afterwards, but if you only put it on in a thin layer its not as effective.

[MarmMummy]

Thanks! Am slightly dreading it to be honest....

[lilacpink]

Hi, my 3 year old hasn't had blood tests, but has sat on my lap happily while I have them. I know they look for clear veins, mine are always 'clearer' on my left arm. I would put the cream where you can see veins in the crook of the arm (maybe a apply a warm flannel first to help see them). How are you with needles? Personally I'd ask the nurse if they have a spare needle just to have the first part done on me to show it's fine, but I'm not at all squeemish. I wouldn't even let DH in the same room as DD if she was having a blood test/vaccine, as he would faint.

[moosemama]

You are most welcome.

You have my sympathy, I know the feeling well. The emla really does work though.

One more tip is to take something with you to distract him while they do it. I usually buy something like a new Thomas the Tank book or a comic and bring it out at the last moment for maximum distraction purposes.

You may not need it though, ds1 was fascinated when he had his done and it wasn't traumatic at all because the emla had worked so it didn't hurt.

Ds2 always needs distracting, but he has a problem with anything medical after being seriously ill in hospital last year.

The plebotomists are usually really good and are used to taking blood from children so tend to keep it very calm and stress free.

Hope it goes ok for you both.

[moosemama]

How did you get on?

[MarmMummy]

Sorry, just seen this now!

It was a piece of cake!!!! Thank goodness!!!!! Lovely doctor with young children of her own and DS was fine.

Results show he is anaemic, which considering all the things you start to imagine in the dead of night, was a relief!