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Dear parents,
The SANA Medical Laboratory team understands that blood collection can be stressful for both children and adults. These practical suggestions are based on the team’s experience collecting capillary and venous blood from children of all ages.
- Try to remain calm. Children readily notice an adult’s anxiety. A calm explanation and a reassuring manner can help.
- Only one parent should accompany the child into the collection room, preferably the adult who feels calmer. An adult who becomes faint during blood collection should wait outside.
- During venous blood collection, help the child remain still for a short time and follow the staff member’s instructions. Occasionally, a second needle insertion may be needed. A bruise can develop; firm pressure over the site for about five to six minutes helps reduce this risk.
- After a finger-prick sample, help the child remain still and keep the cotton pad and dressing in place for the time advised by staff.
- Some combinations of tests may rarely require both venous and capillary blood, for example when a blood-gas test is added.
- If you feel unable to hold the child safely, tell the team. Staff can discuss how best to support the child while you wait outside.
If bleeding does not stop, swelling or severe pain develops, or you are worried about the collection site, seek medical advice.
The SANA laboratory team