Blood Taking Procedure (Venepuncture)

Why it is needed?

Blood tests allow clinician to find out what is wrong with the patient. It checks for health of liver, kidney, bone, inflammatory and infective conditions, coeliac disease, pancreatitis, nutritional deficicences (Vit D, Vit B12, folate, ferritin) and hormonal imbalances such as pubertal status, endocrine conditions such growth home, thyroid function status and genetic related conditions (chromosomal studies).

What preparation is needed?

Children should be offered a topical anaesthetic where time allows (e.g. Ametop or Emla).

Prior to the blood tests, patients can apply a numbing cream (Ametop/Emla) over the vein (arm or hands) and cover it with a clear film dressing for about 30 minutes. It can be helpful to wrap it with a bandage to prevent the child from removing the cream.

Older children can be offered cold spray) at the time of taking blood. Babies can be given oral sucrose to minimise pain. It is useful in infants younger than 3 months.

Is there a risk?

It is generally a safe procedure. Blood taking can be technically challenging particularly when the child is anxious and distressed. It is also difficult to obtain blood from a baby where the veins are not well developed and visible. There is a risk of needle stick injury to the operator.