How to prepare your child for a blood test
The moment has arrived, and you must accept the fact that your child has to do a blood test. Children may find it particularly upsetting, and parents usually feel stressed out simply thinking about it.
Here is a list of things you can do to prepare your child for a blood test:
1. Tell the truth to your child: Tell your child what is going to happen. Do not lie! You can say something like: “It might hurt a little bit, but you are a very brave child and I know you can do it. Inform them that this is a quick procedure and it should not take more than a few minutes.
2. Use distractions: It can occasionally be beneficial to plan an activity to keep your child busy during their blood test. Depending on your child’s age, there are numerous activities you can use:
- 0-6 months old: Being held and feeling the warmth of the parent will make the baby more at ease. Hold the baby, sing to him/her, distract him/her with a rattle or toy, or feed him/her.
- 6 months old – 2 years old: This is a challenging age as the child does not understand what is happening. Children that age are very strong and they might fight against their parents and pathology collectors. Distractions can include blowing bubbles, playing with noisy toys or books, watching a video, singing, or just reading a book.
- 2 years and older: The child can react in many different ways. While some of them will remain quiet and calm, others may become quite upset and agitated. Parents must respond to the child’s level of anxiety and employ distractions wisely. Reading a book, watching a video, and conversing about something they are looking forward to are a few examples of distractions you can use.
3. It is crucial that you remain with your child throughout the whole procedure to provide comfort, reassurance, and entrainment.
4. After the blood test reward your child. You can use tangible rewards, like stickers or food, or intangible, such as a positive compliment.
What do I need to do before the blood test?
- Make sure your child drinks lots of fluids (water, milk, breastmilk, formula, etc.) before going to their visit, even if they don’t need a fasting blood test.
- Ensure your child stays warm before the blood test so that his or her blood vessels are fully dilated.
- Call the collection centre before the blood test to ensure that two phlebotomists are working there and that the main phlebotomist is trained to do children.
