Blood tests can be challenging for children — and sometimes just as challenging for their parents.
A child may be worried about whether the test will hurt, frightened by needles, unsure about what will happen or anxious because of a previous experience. For some children, simply entering a pathology collection environment can feel overwhelming.
Preparing your child beforehand and choosing an appropriate collection service can help make the experience more manageable.
Talk about what will happen
Where appropriate for your child’s age, explain what to expect before the appointment using simple, calm and honest language.
Try to avoid promises such as “it won’t hurt at all.” Instead, acknowledge that they may feel something while reassuring them that you’ll be there to support them.
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne has produced a helpful child-friendly video explaining what happens when having a blood test or IV.
Watch the Royal Children’s Hospital Blood Test – IV video
Watching something like this together beforehand can help make the process more familiar and give your child an opportunity to ask questions.
Tell us about previous experiences
If your child is particularly anxious, has a needle phobia, has previously experienced a difficult blood collection or has veins that can be difficult to access, let the person collecting the blood know.
It is also helpful to tell us what has — or hasn’t — worked during previous blood tests.
Every child is different. Some want to understand everything that is happening, while others prefer to look away, use distraction or have as little discussion about the procedure as possible.
Distraction can help
Depending on your child’s age and preferences, consider bringing something familiar or engaging to the appointment.
A favourite video, music, headphones, book or game can provide a useful distraction. Comfort items and having a trusted parent or carer nearby can also help some children feel more secure.
Blood collection should be consensual
We do not perform blood collections that require restraint or proceed against a child’s wishes.
If your child becomes extremely distressed or is unable to tolerate the procedure, we may recommend stopping and considering another approach rather than continuing against their wishes.
For children who are highly anxious, have complex needs or are expected to have particularly difficult venous access, a specialist paediatric pathology service may be more appropriate.
Supported Blood Collection at Clarendon Medical
Clarendon Medical offers Supported Blood Collection for children aged 7 years and over who may benefit from additional time and support.
These extended 30-minute appointments may be particularly suitable for older children who experience needle anxiety, have had difficult blood collections previously or have tricky veins.
Fee: $110 for a 30-minute Supported Blood Collection appointment.
Children under 7
Our Supported Blood Collection service is not suitable for children under 7 years of age.
For younger children, we recommend contacting The Royal Children’s Hospital, Cabrini Hospital or an appropriate specialist paediatric pathology collection service. These services have staff and facilities specifically designed to support younger children and more complex paediatric blood collections.
If you’re unsure whether Supported Blood Collection is appropriate for your child, please contact the Clarendon Medical team before booking.
