Why do children and young people need a blood test?
Children and young people may need to have a blood test because they have been feeling unwell. The blood test will help us find out why. Blood tests can also be used to monitor existing conditions, treatments, and medications. If you are not sure why the blood tests are needed, please ask the doctor or nurse who has requested them.
What is Phlebotomy?
Phlebotomy is just the department name for where we take blood tests. The person taking the blood test is sometimes called a phlemotomist.
How do I access the Phlebotomy services at Alder Hey?
The Phlebotomy service is accessible by appointment only.
These bloods can be pre-booked in advance or booked on the day depending on the needs of the child or young person.
What should I do if my GP has requested that I need a blood test?
If your GP has requested that you need to attend for a blood test, the your parent or carer will need to call our Phlebotomy phone line on 0151 282 4589. This line is open from 9:00am – 5:00pm (excluding bank holidays).
They will need to inform us at the time of booking if you require a fasting blood test. This will enable us to book you an early morning appointment. If fasting bloods have been requested, please do not eat or drink (plain water is fine) for 8-10 hours prior to your appointment.
It is essential that you bring the blood test request form, provided by your GP with you to the appointment.
What is numbing cream and cold spray?
When having a blood test done it is possible to have the area numbed first with a topical anaesthetic cream (Ametop or Emla). An anaesthetic helps reduce any pain or discomfort. This may be prescribed by your GP.
If your GP has prescribed this for you, we suggest it should be applied on the inner crease of the elbows, or on the backs of the hands and should be covered with a clear dressing. It can also be purchased from your local pharmacy.
My child is nervous about having a blood test, how can I reassure them?
Having a blood test can be quite unsettling. It is always a good idea to prepare before having one done. It is a very quick and simple procedure and it will be over quickly.
Distracting yourself during the procedure will help take your minds off what is happening. So we encourage you to bring along your favourite toy, teddy, book or electronic devices.
Health Play Specialist
We have a health play team within the outpatients department, which is made up of a Health Play Specialist and a Play Assistant. A Health Play Specialist uses therapeutic play, tools and strategies to prepare and distract children and young people during medical procedures. A Health Play Specialist is available between the hours 8am and 4pm, to provide support on the day for your blood test. Please let a member of the outpatient team know if you would like the support of the play team.
What will happen during the appointment?
On arrival please book into either G2 reception or Catkin reception (depending on where your blood test is).You will be called into the room by one of the phlebotomists who will introduce themselves and explain all about what will happen during the procedure.
The phlebotomist will review the blood requests and will discuss with you and your parent or carer the suitable way to collect the blood sample. There are two different ways we can collect blood:
- From the vein with a very small butterfly needle or
- Finger/ heel prick
How we collect the blood sample will depend on the volume of blood and specific blood tests that are required. We can have this discussion with you and give all the information you require during your appointment.
What should I do after the procedure is finished?
Once the blood samples have been taken, they are sent to the laboratory for testing. How long the test results take to come back can vary, some can be completed within a few days, but other more complex tests can take a few weeks. Once completed the results will be sent directly to the doctor who requested them, this is usually a consultant within the hospital or your GP. The doctor will usually inform your parent or carer of the results by letter, occasionally by telephone or at your next appointment. Please be aware that your results can only be given to you by the doctor involved in your care.
Is there anything we have missed?
Please let us know if there is a question we haven’t answered or if there is a future subject area we should cover.
Email us at [email protected]