Blood draws on toddlers

We just found out that we need to do an allergy test for both our DD and DS. We have a history of nut and shellfish allergies in our family and they had a slight reaction to their first experience with peanut butter last week. They will need to get their blood drawn this week and have never had it done before. Anyone experience this and have some helpful tips? We've already explained the procedure to them and I'm trying to make it "interesting" rather than scary. We've done some role playing with the dolls. I'm considering having some lollipops ready, too. Any other suggestions?

 

Yep, Ainsley has to get blood drawn every few months due to her congenital hypothyroidism. The best advice I can tell you is for you to be calm, don't use any words like hurt or scary, and to make sure their hands are held down. Tell them that they will just feel a little pinch and it will be over. I wouldn't compare it to a shot, it does't hurt like that. I really wouldn't make too big of a deal about it. Most places will give a sticker afterwards, which is nice.

 

Both of my kids have food allergies and have had lots of blood drawn. DS is not at all bothered by it. DD if fine while they are taking the blood and hysterical when finished.

I would make sure they are well hydrated and you have a special snack for after the fact. I would also ask if there is a Ped tech available. Not sure there is such a thing, but our hospital always has someone in the lab who is more experienced with kids.

Best of luck.

 

I can't say this enough, EMLA cream.

It's a numbing cream that you put on the inner elbow area 30 minutes to an hour prior to a blood draw. Makes it painless. (Even when I pierced my own nose it worked)

 

Sounds like you are doing pretty much everything to get your daughter prepared!

My daughter had a blood test for macadamia nuts. I explained what was going to happen and let her pick a treat for after the visit. I held her in my lap and had her look away. She got a little teary during the blood draw but I think it really helped that she understood what was going to happen and was looking forward to her pretzels.

It was my other daughter who saw what was happening, who started to cry a little for her. Then it suddenly occurred to her that she might be next and started to panic a little!

After my daughter received the blood draw I recall that I saw a sign about the numbing cream that Beca mentioned in her post.

 

My girls have had blood draws every 6 weeks since they were born for a syndrome they have that puts them at a higher risk for cancer. I've always had them sit on my lap and that has worked the best, so if the lab techs tell you to have them sit alone I would ask if they can sit on your lap. The lab techs at our lab give a cool bandaid and a sucker. Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the information about Emla. I called the lab today and they don't use any type of numbing cream. In fact...the technician that I spoke to said that she had never heard of it. :huh: I did a little research online about the cream and I do wish that the lab used it, but I guess we're out of luck. Thanks for all the other suggestions, too.

 

I'm not sure if it's over the counter or not, but your pediatrician should be able to prescribe it if it's not OTC.

 

QUOTE(becasquared @ May 26 2009, 08:27 PM) [snapback]1328972[/snapback]
I'm not sure if it's over the counter or not, but your pediatrician should be able to prescribe it if it's not OTC.



Ditto the Pedi can prescribe it!!!

 

No advice here, but there was an excellent article in the most recent issue of Parents magazine (pretty sure the May issue?) about pain management and kids. It was written by a pediatrician in that field and was very informative about how attitudes are slowly changing in regards to how babies and kids experience pain. It discussed the numbing cream others have brought up. If there's any way to get your hands on a copy, I would.

 

QUOTE(becasquared @ May 26 2009, 02:53 PM) [snapback]1328638[/snapback]
I can't say this enough, EMLA cream.

It's a numbing cream that you put on the inner elbow area 30 minutes to an hour prior to a blood draw. Makes it painless. (Even when I pierced my own nose it worked)

Amen sister! EMLA, EMLA, EMLA! There is no reason why kids should not always have Emla when they are getting shots - my girls have always had it for vaccinations & would definitely use it for a blood draw. I used it for my infertility shots & felt no pain even though the needle was big & the oil was thick.

 

QUOTE(littletwinstars @ May 26 2009, 06:33 PM) [snapback]1328901[/snapback]
Thanks for the information about Emla. I called the lab today and they don't use any type of numbing cream. In fact...the technician that I spoke to said that she had never heard of it. :huh: I did a little research online about the cream and I do wish that the lab used it, but I guess we're out of luck. Thanks for all the other suggestions, too.

Get your pedi to call in a Rx. You put it on at home & cover the area with Saran wrap - 30 minutes before your appt. There is a generic & it is very inexpensive.

 

Wow, I'd never heard of this Emla cream -- wish I'd known before all of Kevan's blood tests. (The lab screwed up *three* times, so he had to have blood drawn four separate times. I wanted to strangle somebody.)

That said, I don't think it's that painful in general -- I just held him tightly on my lap, and brought a lollipop. It really wasn't too bad, and he didn't even cry after the first time.

 

Thank you for the suggestion on getting the Emla Rx. I called the pedi today and we will pick it up this afternoon.

 

UPDATE - We just got back from getting their blood drawn. It went REALLY well. We applied the Emla cream 1 hour prior. They took 3 tubes of blood and they didn't even flinch. They were so fascinated seeing their own blood. Plus the sticker reward was a huge hit. Thank you all for the Emla recommendation. Even the phlebotomists were impressed!