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Children's health

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Original poster

Blood sample from 2.5 year old

17 replies

Cindy1802 · 21/09/2023 21:32

My toddler (who is a very active, stubborn, determined little monkey) has to give a blood sample for testing and I am looking for some tips/advice.

How on earth do they pin a toddler down to get blood without it being traumatic for all involved?! It is with the phlebotomy dept so I guess they are experienced...?! Any tips of what I can do to make it go as smooth as possible?

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AnnaTortoiseshell · 21/09/2023 21:33

Did you get prescribed a patch and some numbing cream?

Figment1982 · 21/09/2023 21:35

When my daughter at the same age had to have blood taken we went to a specialist team at the hospital. They have play therapists there who play with the child and distract them whilst the blood is taken. Not sure if that’s a common approach but if that’s what you are offered I would definitely take it. It worked brilliantly and was far less stressful than I had anticipated.

Original poster

Cindy1802 · 21/09/2023 21:37

@AnnaTortoiseshell no. We've just been told to go to the phlebotomy dept between 9-5. It is with a big teaching hospital so I'm assuming they are well experienced with kids his age/stubbornness!

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modgepodge · 21/09/2023 21:37

My daughter has had this thought admittedly whilst admitted to hospital on as an outpatient.

they put numbing cream on 4 different places, left for an hour, then came back. They had 3 people involved, she sat on my lap cuddling me facing me. One doctor held her hand while another put the needle in. The third one was a play specialist and distracted her! She had difficult veins so it took ages (10-15mins!! But I don’t think this is typical) but they managed to get blood and she wasn’t in any pain. It was fine. Good luck.

hartof · 21/09/2023 21:38

My DD had blood taken at around 4/5 and they just pricked her finger and kept squeezing it. They didn't try to get a vein

WeWereInParis · 21/09/2023 21:43

My friend took her daughter for a blood test last week. Her DD is 4 so a bit older but they told her to buy some numbing cream and put it on at home (they did have a specific appointment time though) and she said they were great. They distracted her DD, sort of held her arm slightly behind her while she was paying attention to something else in front. And with that and the numbing cream she didn't even realise it was happening.

I'd try and find out what the average waiting time is so you can get some numbing cream and estimate when best to apply it.

AnnaTortoiseshell · 21/09/2023 21:44

You can ask your GP for numbing cream and a patch and apply these before you go. I did this when DD was 2.5ish and I explained it all to her. She needed lots of reassurance but was totally fine with me holding her. In and out within five minutes.

lovelychops · 21/09/2023 21:46

It could be a finger prick you would be surprised how much blood they can get from one.
If not, put your DC on your lap sideways putting one of their arms round your back if you see what I mean.

muddlingthrou · 21/09/2023 21:53

My DD has had blood taken regularly since birth to monitor a chronic condition, and is now coming up to 2. To be honest, the latest blood test was the best, so I wouldn't worry. The phlebotomist distracted her while I held her still and it was all over within a minute or two. They know what they're doing!

marketing101 · 21/09/2023 21:59

My son has to have regular blood tests, they tell you how to hold them you have to be really firm, it's usually with arm behind your body and the nurse does it behind. Have sweet ready. It's upsetting I won't lie but necessary and the pain doesn't last

MarkyMarksandSpencer · 21/09/2023 22:00

If they haven't given numbing cream to you then buy it over the counter. It is called EMLA. Put it on the insides of her elbows and on the top of her hand so there are a few places ready if they need them.

Make sure she's well hydrated on the day and try to do a bit of activity beforehand. Keep her warm.

All helps the blood flowing.

YouBoggleMyMind · 21/09/2023 22:06

Also they'll use the tiniest butterfly needle which makes it less painful and it's over very quickly. Big up how brave they've been with sticker, treat, verbal praise so they know they've done a great job. Good luck 🤞🏻

QuiltedHippo · 21/09/2023 22:08

Weve had a few. Don't bullshit them with it "it won't hurt", more of it "it might scratch a bit, but will be quick and then we will get a sticker/go to the park/get x for lunch"
Hold them tight and get it over with

Callmemummynotmaaa · 21/09/2023 22:11

We’ve had a few. The phlebotomists are fab! Last one sung along with me for the two mins it took to fill 6 vials (my daughters distraction of choice). Usually ours have only involved one staff member in the room BUT in a children’s room, with shapes and animals and other images on the wall to look at! I don’t promise it won’t hurt. But after the last time my kiddo said “is that it mummy”? (And told me the doctor - her word for GP is worse!). She got stickers after.

GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 21/09/2023 22:15

DD when she was 4 had numbing cream put on at the hospital with plastic film stuck over the top, then we had to wait for a while, maybe 30 mins/1 hr, and they took 2 or 3 tries to get the blood in the end.

I sat her on my lap and told her to look the other way, a Dr held her arm and a nurse did the needle. It must have been completely numb, because after the first go she insisted on watching and they practically had to move her nose out of the way of the needle! Weirdo that she is

Sunshine9218 · 27/07/2024 22:52

You don't need to worry about this, they will have their own tricks and ways of doing it :) My nurse aunty uses bubbles

Original poster

Cindy1802 · 28/07/2024 21:13

He's had many blood tests since then, and most of which he's had to be pinned down for 🙃 horrific for all involved but a necessity, he's finally got a diagnosis and the treatment he needs.

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