childrens blood tests

[happytodaysomehow]

my 5yr old is due to have blood tests tomorrow the hospital have told me to apply the numbing cream to his hands but my friend has told me her child had them in the arm so im unsure where to apply the cream anyones child had blood tests and if so where

Hi. Apply it about an hour before and cover with clinging taped down. We did top of each hand and inside elbows to give a choice. Also took a packet of skittles for bribing throughout.

Whenever my 3yo has had blood tests they've put numbing cream on the backs of his hands and the inside of his elbow to give them more options of they can't find a good vein in one of the locations

They may have looked at his veins and decided his hands will be the easiest place to get access.

Can you call them to check before you go?

cant call them before as he has first appointment so wont be open when i need to apply cream i think i will apply to back of hands and inside elbows just in case

How much cream have you got?

If only a small amount don't try to cover too many places - you need a decent dollop to get anaesthesia. If you can see veins in his hands cover them as that is where hospital asked you to put it so is probably their preferred place.

oh yes never thought of that i have 2 5g tubes so will put a tube on each hand