Are Phlebotomists used to scared Children ? Taking my youngest for a Blood Test?

Question

She is 7 years old.

Really really hates needles. The poor thing always freaks,and fights out.

Obviously i want her to get this done - as calm as she can be.

Will the phlebotomist be able to help calm her down ?

Answer 1

Yes, they do the best they can with children. They gave my son a toy he could play with and it took his mind off what was happening even if it was only a second.

Answer 2

Hold her in your lap and tell her not to watch the procedure. Also, my neighbors Dr. prescribed her daughters a topical numbing cream that can be put on at home before shots or blood test so they cant feel the needle. My kids were scared to death when they had to get blood tests but after they were finsihted they didn't think that it was so bad at all. Just tell her that it wont be a big deal and take her out to lunch or have a special day with her after. Good luck

Answer 3

I'm an adult who doesn't like needles! Explain it will only take a few minutes, and that they will do it as quickly as they can. Yes, they know how to work with scared children. What I do for myself, and once had to do for my young son, is I tell the person who is going to take the blood, that I don't like needles, I am nervous, and I won't look but please let me know when you are about to poke. It works! Plus, maybe depending on the size of her veins, they might use a butterfly needle, that is a little smaller, and more comfortable. Also, the more relaxed you are, that will help too. Take care.

Answer 4

I am a phlebotomist, and yes we will do the best we can to keep your kids calm. Sometimes I find kids behave better if Moms wait out in the hall.

Answer 5

Well, you'd like to think so.
Unfortunately, just like nurses and doctors, there's is a wide range of "bedside manner."

Before you go -- call your pediatrician and ask if he/she can prescribe a lidocaine patch, spray, or ointment. There are several different versions. Basically, it's a local anesthetic which is applied to the skin. It numbs it a little so she should barely feel the needle.
This isn't routinely used because of cost. But if your little girl has had bad experiences and is scared, I think it's a completely legitimate request.
Good luck!

Answer 6

You can always ask for someone who works well with children. At many medical centers, there is someone who is the "specialist" or at other clinics there are pediatric phlebotomists.

The ones I saw who worked well with kids, took the time to get them settled in the room, told them at the end of the procedure they'd get to pick from a goody container (usually stickers) and even chatted with them to show they are people who care about them also.

Good luck!

Answer 7

They may not be able to help calm her down if she's hysterical - that's really not required of them. HOWEVER, the phelbos I know are GREAT with kids! They sit with them and explain step by step what they're doing and what's going to happen. They're also REALLY quick at drawing blood - that's all they do all day every day and could probably do it blindfolded.

Answer 8

I have the same problem with my daughter, she is 9 and is phobic when it comes to needles. She has to have blood work done quite often though, because she has lupus. Another thing they can do depending on how much blood they need is do a finger poke.

Answer 9

If she won't calm down they will probably have her sit in your lap and hold one of her arems while one nurse holds the other arm and the other takes her blood. That is what they fo for my 7yr old and she has to have her blood taken every once n a while.

Answer 10

They should be able to help. I tell my 3 year old what is going to happen before we get there. I also tell him that he will get a sticker and a cookie after wards. Just be honest with her and let her know that she is a big girl and it will only hurt for a minute. Good luck.