helping 2-year-old with blood draw for lead test?

[LucyG]

I'm taking DD to have her lead level checked tomorrow. We've moved to an older home, and I just want to make sure she's okay, lead-wise. She's never had this test done before, and I don't know what to expect. Actually, she's never had blood drawn (except maybe in the hospital when she was born). Is it a quick blood draw? Any tips on helping a two-year-old through a painful procedure like this? We will talk about it before we go, of course, but how honest should I be (in regards to pain, needles, etc.)? Thanks!


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2 years and counting!

[dr mom]

Couple of suggestions.

1. Ask the person who is drawing her blood how much experience they have with peds, and if they seem unsure or inexperienced, do not be reluctant to ask for someone who has lots of experience with kids. Those tiny little veins can be hard to hit!

2. Your ped can give you a prescription for a numbing anesthetic cream to apply beforehand that will make the needle stick less painful. Ask for EMLA (lidocaine & prilocaine, apply 1-2 hours beforehand) or LET (lidocaine & tetracaine, apply 15-30 minutes beforehand). Or, if you're going to your regular peds office, go a little early and use their supply. I think most peds keep one or the other on hand for exactly your situation.

[momma_boo]

DD has had blood drawn a bunch of times (at least 3 times for lead, and once for iron). The lastest was done at her 2 year check-up. We just told her it would hurt for a little bit. I think the worst part for her is being held down. Forget it, I take that back. I hate getting blood drawn and it does hurt!

I think it would be fine to be totally honest but not talk about it too much so that she gets scared before she goes.

[JMS]

If at all possible, please try to bring along DH or someone else who your DD is very familiar with. My DD had a blood test at 10 months for iron and we were referred to the local hospital b/c my Ped's office doesn't draw blood. My ped told me it would be a heel stick but when I got to the hospital I was informed that if children are at all mobile, the blood would have to be drawn from the arm b/c their heels were too tough. I did have a RN good with kids, but she still told me she hated doing it. DD sat on my lap and I held her arm and DH tried to distract her while the blood was being drawn. She still screamed, but having DH there helped. It may have helped me more than DD, but his presence still helped tremendously.

Good Luck.. the best part is that it's over with in a few minutes.

[Wife_and_mommy]

I assume they do, but make sure to ask for the smallest needle available. When they did my prenatal blood draw this time, it was the most painful I've ever had because I forgot to ask for the "butterfly" needle. Not to mention the horrible bruising for two weeks after. I will never forget again!

Hope it goes quickly and efficiently!


Elizabeth

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Our second morsel due early February 2006!

[houseof3boys]

We brought Elmo along with us and I explained that it would hurt for just a second and that he could pick the band aid he wanted. I made sure there were a few great choices for him (although the nurse was stingy with the band aid choices until I explained it to her and then she went to the main stash to get the great ones) to look at so he was focused on that instead of the needle. He didn't even cry and was very excited to have the care bear band aid! :) We got a band aid for Elmo too and I just talked through the whole thing and made sure he was occupied.

Good luck.

[emilyf]

My ds has had several blood draws also-lead, iron etc. He used to cry-I think he didn't like being held still, but at his 2 yr appt in November had no problem at all. I told him he could have a lollipop and was so focused on that he didn't mind the needle at all. I hate them, so was surprised he did so well.

eta: also, make sure she gets plenty of fluids the morning of the test. It makes it much easier to find a vein and faster too. We got sent home twice because his veins were too small and were told to get him really well hydrated before bringing him back.

[calebsmama03]

In addition to all the other suggestions, since you're still BFing, you could always use that as your distractor too. Some nurses refuse to allow it, but I just put up a huge stink until I get someone who will let me! At the very least I'd hold her on your lap and offer to nurse immediately after.
Lynne
Mommy to C 3/03
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And Miss Purple, 5/05

[LucyG]

Thank you, thank you, everyone! You brought up several things I would not have thought of, and I feel much more prepared for our trip to the ped's office tomorrow.



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2 years and counting!