How can I make a blood draw less stressful during the appointment?

Many children with disabilities need to get their blood drawn regularly for lab work. While it’s never a fun task, it can be downright impossible for some kids. With the help of Undivided parents and Rachel Delano, MSW, LCSW, CCLS III, child life specialist at Baystate Children’s Hospital in Massachusetts, we’ve put together tips that will help parents and kids have a less stressful experience when getting their blood drawn.

• Allow your child to consent to the blood draw. The phlebotomist may ask that you hold your child’s arms or lock their legs between yours, but restraint can escalate the behavior and may cause more harm than good. If you are asked this, you can explain that you would prefer that your child give consent and that no blood will be drawn until they give permission.

• You can also state that you would like to hold your child in your lap. Delano says that if you are advocating for this, it is very important that you hold your child firmly so that no one is injured. “When you provide a tight embrace, you can softly speak into your child’s ear that you are there to keep them safe and explain that the provider is there to help them,” Delano says.

• If your child reacts negatively while in the chair, such as flinching or screaming, ask your child if they can be brave, but give them the option to say no. If the final answer is no, leave the appointment and reschedule for a different day so you can try again. This may happen a few times before your child consents. For many children, having a sense of control over the process will greatly reduce their fear and anxiety, which will increase their ability to be brave.

• Distract your child by singing a song, bringing their favorite toys and/or books, counting the seconds, or listing thing you are going to do after the appointment.

For more information about what to do before, during, and after an appointment to minimize stress, see How to Have a Stress-Free Blood Draw.