Blood test for DD's allergies...fail

9302006 · December 2011

Yesterday we had an appointment to get bloodwork done for my DD so they could see how allergic she is to the top things she reacted to during the scratch test. Let me tell you, it was so hard not to cry watching my daughter go through that. My husband held onto her, they couldn't find a vein in her arm...so they tried the top of her hand... Long story short, they (there were three nurses helping) didn't get enough blood because she was freaking out so much and kept moving. Now I don't know what we're supposed to do. It was just so stressful for all of us.

Has anyone else experienced this and what did you do?

g_belle · December 2011

Is there a childrens' hospital that you can visit and use their lab? If not call some other labs in your area and find out if any of them are used to working with kiddos. It's not a fail proof plan (sometimes kids are just hard to stick) but it might help. Also try to make sure she's well hydrated before you go- that will help make it easier to find her veins. Maybe bring a new special book or toy (a new app on your phone if you've got one) for her to look at/play with while they stick her other arm.

lrn327 · December 2011

I'm so so sorry. We've been through this twice with DS and probably will again tomorrow. We've actually been at the children's hospital lab both times. My tips for you would be to ask that they have the very smallest needle to begin with. Last time, even though we warned her, she didn't have the very smallest needle and I believe it caused our DS unnecessary stress and pain. Also, supposedly sugar can help ease some of the pain. I second the "hydrate" suggestion of the other poster. We've been hydrating him all day today but tomorrow I will bring a sippy of apple juice he can have just before the blood draw to cover the sugar and extra fluids. Best of luck the next time around. I feel for you mama!

aniceucchik · December 2011

My husband held him down from the top and i held him down from the bottom-another nurse got him in the middle, while the second nurse tied his arm to look for a vein first, then she only stuck him after she was able to find a good one. I mean if there is a suspected allergy then it has to be done, so you will just have to try again.