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Having a blood test with cold spray
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Having a blood test with cold spray
We know that having a blood test can be a very difficult experience for children, particularly children with learning disabilities or autism. This resource will provide you with easy read information you can use at home to talk about the blood test. This booklet contains 3 different methods of having a blood test at Sheffield Children’s hospital. We can also help at Sheffield Children’s Hospital with preparing your child for their blood test.
Having a blood test with cold spray
This is not for everyone, as it creates a very sudden cold feeling to help numb the skin on the arm or hand. This can cause more distress than the blood test for some people. This is applied to your child’s skin in the appointment, there is no additional waiting time.
When you come to the hospital you may need to wait in our waiting area.
You can ask to wait in our quiet room.
You can bring your own toys to play with while you wait.
When you go into the room for your appointment, you will sit in the big blue chair.
You need to stay as still as you can.
A special nurse will clean your arm or hand with a small wipe.
The special nurse will feel your arm for a vein. They might try the top of your hand.
They will put a stretch band around your arm.
You can have spray on your hand or arm.
The spray will feel very cold.
This stops your arm or hand from hurting.
Some people do not like the spray.
You can have the blood test without the spray.
They will put a small needle in your arm or on the top of your hand. They will take a little bit of blood.
They will take the needle out and put a cotton ball on your elbow or on the top of your hand.
They will put a plaster on your arm or hand.
All finished and time to leave the room.
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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: OPD5
Resource Type: Article
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