Children's blood collection post
The Children's blood collection post is a unit of the Children’s hospital that handles all blood sampling activities for babies and children up to and including 18 years of age within the LUMC. A team of medical assistants is specially trained to draw blood from children.
Our aim is to provide your child with optimal support and to minimize the impact of the blood draw as much as possible. We ensure a minimal blood sample is taken to achieve accurate laboratory analysis.
Why laboratory research?
Your treating physician wants to have a component in your child's blood tested. The purpose of this may be:
- Excluding or determining diseases;
- Preventive examination;
- Assessing the course of a disease;
- Checking an initiated treatment.
Blood sample
What are you bringing?
- Your child's ID card or passport;
- Lab forms if you received these from the doctor;
- ‘Krachtpas’, if available;
- Favorite cuddly toy (and pacifier) to offer your child comfort;
- Game materials to provide distraction
What are you bringing?
- Your child's ID card or passport;
- Lab forms if you received these from the doctor;
- ‘Krachtpas’, if available;
- Favorite cuddly toy (and pacifier) to offer your child comfort;
- Game materials to provide distraction
How does the blood draw work?
In the central hall, at the main entrance of the LUMC, please register at the registration kiosk. Afterwards, take the elevator in the J-core to the 6th floor, where you will find the entrance to the Stad department. You can scan your QR-code here to register your child.
If you do not have an appointment, please report to the Stad outpatient clinic reception. We will then schedule an appointment.
You may take a seat in waiting room 1. As soon as your number appears on the screen in the waiting room, please proceed to the indicated room, where you are expected. Generally, blood tubes are drawn from a vein on the inside of the arm, in the crease of the elbow. Your child may sit on your lap. It is important that the arm being drawn does not move; if necessary, your child's arm will be supported by a colleague.
Method of collection
The blood sampling technique for children is different from that for adults. We take the time and patience to make the right choice regarding the sampling location and method of collection. This may take a moment. We ask for your patience and understanding in this matter.
Amount of blood at collection
For babies, we use micro tubes; for toddlers, small tubes; and occasionally, so little blood is needed that a finger prick suffices. In addition to the elbow crease, other possible puncture locations are:
- Finger
- Heel
- On the hand or wrist
- On the foot
Anesthesia
We offer babies Sucrose as a light sedative. These are sweet drops for the mouth or pacifier. Sucking releases endorphins, a substance produced in the brain to suppress pain.
For children, before the blood draw, we apply Emla (an anesthetic cream) to the chosen site. The application time is at least 60 to 90 minutes. If the child (older than 3 years) has difficult, deep-seated veins, Rapydan (a ready-to-use patch with anesthetic cream) can be chosen. This numbs and warms up at the same time. The warming ensures good blood flow and a smoother blood draw. The application time for this is 30-60 minutes.
Sometimes a 'natural' anesthetic, the Buzzy, is also used. This is a small, playful vibrating device in the shape of a bee. The Buzzy is placed on the skin, with or without an ice pack, over the injection site. The brain becomes less aware of the pain, causing the pain to almost or completely disappear (88% reduction).
Child-friendly care
We strive to make the injection experience as pleasant as possible for children. We try to prevent pain as much as possible through anesthesia. We also pay attention to tension and anxiety.
Preparation
Our vision is that it is important to give children honest information in advance. This facilitates processing. It is important that the information matches your child's developmental level.
…We strive to make the injection experience as pleasant as possible for children. We try to prevent pain as much as possible through anesthesia. We also pay attention to tension and anxiety.
Preparation
Our vision is that it is important to give children honest information in advance. This facilitates processing. It is important that the information matches your child's developmental level.
Distraction
Distraction often helps children handle the situation better. As a parent, you can focus entirely on your child during the blood draw. Distraction can be provided using, for example, a video on a phone or tablet, toys, (search-and-find) books, etc. Distraction materials are also available at the children's station.
What can you do as a parent?
As a parent, you may also experience anxiety before your child receives an injection. This is perfectly normal. We know that parents have a great deal of influence on their children. This means that anxiety is sometimes (unconsciously) transferred. As a parent, it can help to remain as calm and relaxed as possible around the injection situation. As a parent, you are the safe person for your child. You can distract and comfort them. On the Child and Hospital website, you can find information on how to help your child with the right words, among other things; please see the leaflet: 'Positive language'.
‘Krachtpas’
This is a personal booklet for your child. The Krachtpas is intended to ensure that everyone knows the best course of action when a blood draw is needed. This makes the situation more manageable for your child, provides confidence, and gives them a sense of control. The booklet is intended for children aged 4 and up who visit the hospital frequently. You will receive this from the hospital; you may also ask for it if needed.
We guide the entire blood draw process, from arrival to departure. After your child has been drawn, there is time to comfort, give a compliment, and reward them with a well-deserved sticker.
Where can you find us?
The Children's blood collection post is located at the Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic ‘Stad’, J-06-Q, route 652. From the main entrance, go to the sixth floor, the Stad ward.
Children's blood collection post opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
To make an appointment at the Children's blood collection post, we can be reached by telephone on weekdays from 8:45 AM to 12:30 PM at 071 526 28 22.
…The Children's blood collection post is located at the Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic ‘Stad’, J-06-Q, route 652. From the main entrance, go to the sixth floor, the Stad ward.
Children's blood collection post opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
To make an appointment at the Children's blood collection post, we can be reached by telephone on weekdays from 8:45 AM to 12:30 PM at 071 526 28 22.
We are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Please note: October 3rd is a public holiday in Leiden.