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Getting my blood tested at Ryegate

I am coming to Ryegate for a blood test.

Photograph of Ryegate's Children centre

Sometimes people need to have blood tests. A blood test means taking a very small amount of blood so doctors can examine it using special equipment.

Photograph of blood test vial

There are lots of different reasons why people have blood tests.

Illustration of person looking thoughtful with a question mark above their head

My doctor at Ryegate might ask me to have a blood test when I see them in clinic.

I can have my blood test at Ryegate, or I can ask my parent or carer to book my blood test for another day and time at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Photograph of Sheffield Children's Hospital

If I want to have my blood test at Ryegate, I will wait in the waiting room after I have seen the doctor. The waiting room might look like this.

Photograph of Ryegate upstairs waiting area with 2 rows of blue chairs

It might look a different way too. I could be waiting for a short time or a longer time.

The waiting area might be busy and loud. This is because lots of young people go to Ryegate for appointments.

I can use headphones or ear defenders if I want to.

Photograph of kids ear defenders

I might feel worried about having a blood test. That is ok. Everyone feels worried sometimes.

If I am feeling worried it might help to talk to my parent or carer or do something I find relaxing. This might be listening to music, watching YouTube, or doing some colouring.

Photograph of figit toy Illustration of games console Illustration of colouring book Illustration of reading book

When it is time for my appointment, a support worker will call my name to let me know they are ready. My parent or carer will go with me into the room.

There will be a chair or bed for me to sit on while the support worker takes my blood. The room might look a bit like this.

Photograph of room at Ryegate for blood test Photograph of blood test equipment trolley

The support worker will tell me what is going to happen. When the support worker is ready to take my blood, they will put a tight band around my arm. The band makes it easier for the nurse to take the blood. The band might look like this.

Photograph of blood band with loop used for taking a blood test

The support worker might ask me to rest my arm on a pillow like this.

Photograph of person sat on chair with arm on pillow getting their blood taken

The support worker might put a special spray or cream on my arm. The spray might be a bit cold. The spray or cream will make that patch of my arm a bit numb so that the needle does not hurt as much. I do not have to have the spray or cream if I do not want to.

Photograph of numbing spray and cream

The support worker will wipe my arm with a special wet wipe. This makes sure my arm is clean and does not have any germs on it.

Photograph of alcohol wipe sachet

Next the support worker will gently slide the needle into my arm. The needle might look big but only a small bit goes into my arm.

Photograph of needle in packet Photograph of person having bloods drawn Photograph of needle in packet and blood tube vial in packet

When the needle goes in it might hurt but it is only in for a short time. While the needle is in my arm a very small amount of blood will be collected into little bottles like this.

Photograph of blood vials with green lids in a bag Photograph of blood vials with pink lids in a bag

It is normal to feel worried or scared about going for a blood test. Lots of people do not like having blood tests, even adults!

There are lots of things I can do to help me feel less scared while I have my blood test like:

  • playing with a fiddle toy
  • calming breathing
  • listen to music
  • talk to my parent or carer
  • watch a YouTube video

It is up to me if I want to watch the support worker take my blood or look the other way. If I do not want to watch, I can ask the support worker to tell me what is happening and when the needle will be going in.

Photograph of child looking away while having bloods drawn Photograph of child looking while having bloods drawn

When the blood has been taken the support worker will take the needle out of my arm and take the band off. They might put some cotton wool on my arm or a plaster.

Photograph of cotton wool Photograph of plaster

Then it is finished, and it is time to leave.

I am having a blood test at Ryegate. The needle might hurt but it will only be in my arm for a short time. There are lots of things I can do while I have my blood test to help me feel less worried. My parent or carer will help me with this.

Photograph of person sat on chair with arm on pillow getting their blood taken Photograph of Ryegate's Children centre

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Disclaimer

Please note: this is a generic information sheet relating to care at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT. These details may not reflect treatment at other hospitals. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions. If this resource relates to medicines, please read it alongside the medicine manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. If this information has been translated into another language from English, efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, but there may still be some translation errors. If you are unsure about any of the guidance in this resource or have specific questions about how it relates to your child, always ask your healthcare professional for further advice.

Resource number: PSY36

Resource Type: Article

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