When kids reach a certain age, they’ll need to visit a lab to take blood tests. Doctors examine blood in order to gather important medical information while children are sick or in the process of getting treatments. Since nurses use needles to extract the blood, most kids have problems remaining calming throughout their visit. If your child is scared or nervous, you can make the experience more pleasant by following a few easy steps.
Discuss the Test Process in Advance
Many children will panic if they visit a lab for blood work without notice. If you tell your child what can be expected throughout the procedure, stress and fear won’t be a big issue. However, you shouldn’t discuss the procedure too far in advance because your kid may begin to worry excessively until the day of the appointment. To achieve the best results, try to have the discussion about two days before the testing process.
Understand Your Role
Your role during the test will vary based on the child’s age. Young children have different levels of fear, so they’ll need a lot of attention throughout the procedure. You shouldn’t provide any negative reactions at the lab during stressful situations because the vibes will affect how the child behaves. For example, when the nurse arrives with the needle, try to remain calm so that your kid won’t worry.
Use Distractions
Younger kids and older children react differently during medical treatments, so you must use different distractions tactics. Toddlers who are two years old can be distracted with toys, noisy gadgets, and bubbles. Slightly older kids should hold a toy while the blood is extracted. If your child is almost a teenager, books and breathing exercises can reduce stress levels before the test is conducted.
When children learn how to take blood tests while they’re young, they experience less fear during important procedures in the future. An ifa test, cholesterol test, and other examinations that involve blood extractions are very beneficial and shouldn’t be avoided. This is why you must give your kid your full support during every doctor’s appointment.