Blood Draw Tips to Help Prepare Your Child

A blood draw (blood collection) is when a sample of blood is taken for testing.

The type of blood draw depends on your child’s age, the amount of blood needed, and the type of testing. If you have questions about the amount of blood needed for your child’s test, please reach out to your referring provider or ask the person doing the blood draw. Each blood draw is based on the specific tests that are ordered.

A finger or a heel poke (capillary puncture) is done when only a small amount of blood is needed.

We will use a small device to make a tiny puncture on the skin, and then gently squeeze the finger or the heel to collect the drops of blood.

An arm or hand poke (venipuncture) is used to get a larger amount of blood for multiple tests, or when the test needs blood that comes from a vein.

We may look at multiple places to find the best vein to use, usually the inside of the elbow or the top of the hand. An elastic band (tourniquet) is placed around the upper arm or wrist to make the veins easier to see or feel. The skin is then cleaned with an alcohol wipe.

A small needle is used to make a puncture through the skin and into the vein. The blood flows through the needle and into a syringe or tube. After the blood is collected, the elastic band and the needle are removed. A Band-Aid or stretchy wrap is placed over the blood draw site.

Usually it takes just one poke, but sometimes it takes more than one. Some children’s veins are hard to find, and some tests require samples taken over several hours to see the effect of food or medicine on your child.

• Each child reacts differently to having blood drawn. To help your child:
• Ask questions if you are unclear about the procedure.
• Help your child understand that their most important job is to hold very still. This will keep them safe and help the blood draw go faster.
• Be honest and use positive words when preparing your child. Let them know that it may hurt a little bit or feel like a pinch. Try to avoid talking about your own fear.
• Keep your child hydrated and warm the day before and day of the blood draw. This can make veins easier to find and help the procedure go more smoothly.
• Make a plan with your child to help them feel a sense of control.
  
  • Read “What to Expect During Your Blood Draw” booklet.
    seattlechildrens.org/patients-families/clinic-visit/preparing-your-child
  • View a video “Getting a Blood Test.”
    youtube.com/watch?v=2Ag2adsLh3Y&t=2s
    
  • Numbing cream (available over the counter) can help prevent and reduce the pain of needles. However, it cannot be put on by the person doing the blood draw. If your child will use numbing cream, please talk with your provider and read “Numbing Cream”
    seattlechildrens.org/pdf/PE1167.pdf.
  • Child Life Specialists are members of the health care team who work directly with patients and families to help reduce anxiety and adjust to the hospital experience. If you need additional support before your blood draw, you can reach out to Child Life at 206-987-2037.
• After it is over, reward your child and highlight the positives.

It is up to you. While we would like parents to be with their child during a blood draw, it’s also fine if you want to wait outside the procedure room. Either way is OK.

Infants: Use a soothing voice or wrap your infant in a favorite blanket. Pacifiers can be helpful.

Toddlers and preschoolers: Read books, sing songs, use finger puppets, blow bubbles or tell favorite stories. During the blood draw, you can help your child “blow the hurt away” by pretending to blow up a balloon. Let your child sit on you lap during the blood draw for comfort.

School-age children and teens: Distract your child by talking about favorite activities, people or vacation spots, or watch a video.

After the blood draw, we will put on a Band-Aid or a stretchy wrap. The area may be tender, have slight bruising or bleed slightly later.