Blood tests for 13 m.o.

Has anyone else had blood tests for their young kids. I dont mind that it will hurt or anything but how do they possibly manage getting a decent amount of blood without the kid making it impossible. over the last few weeks Mack has been getting sleepier and sleepier so he is getting full bloods done 2mrw but im just trying to find out how they do it so i know what to expect.

we had Nat's first blood test at about 7months, and because it was a full allergy panel, they took about 10mL. Really simple butterfly needle into the vein at her elbow - we've almost always had great phlebotomists (had to have the same test done about 5 times now). They usually get you to hold them on your knee (arms around their chest), one phlebotomist will hold their arm straight, and the other do the needle thing.

Try and go to a really busy collection centre, as they will have infant-experienced people there. Last time we went to a different place, and the lady suggested doing a finger prick for 10mL which would have taken at least 30mins of pain for Nat, so I (rudely) said no way, and asked her to get it from her vein (which she did thank goodness! - and it all went fine, but I think she was a bit apprehensive)

Good luck - generally the whole thing is over within a couple of minutes.

Jack started getting his at 13mo (they went for 5 months - 2-daily, then weekly )

First of all, I'm a firm believer in asking for Emla cream for little ones. The hospitals have huge supplies of them. If they don't have it though, just make sure you pin him down well, they can move amazingly quick and hard if you haven't got every extremity tied down.

Sometimes it's easy, sometimes not. Jack always had issues with getting enough, so they had to prick him a few times each visit. I always found the hand the best, although it's more painful.

As for how much, they usually take 3-4 vials for a general screen, as they need different amounts for different tests (some tests can be done together, some apart). We always went for the magic 4ml for neutrophils, as sometimes they took less which meant we'd have to go back for more bloods.

Most places are great with dealing with kids if they are a bigger place - lots of toys, cool stickers, lollies, whatever works. I hope that it's something simple and he doesn't need too many

it wasnt as hard as i thought. yay. i held him across the chest, another nurse was there in case he moved quick and they took blood the same way as they do with adults. 5 vaccuum tubes i think but no dramas :) phew