Children’s Clinic East Phlebotomy Service

We provide a phlebotomy service for children and young people in a child friendly environment. We are open Monday to Friday at Children’s Clinic East within the Queen's Medical Centre. This service is strictly pre-booked appointments only, please see details below of how to book.

Our service is available for any child up to 12 years of age who is under the care of Nottingham University Hospital and local community paediatricians. We also provide blood tests for any child or young person up to age 18 if they have additional needs. Additional needs are defined as any child with emotional, developmental, social or health needs which result in them requiring additional support to access a blood test.

Please note that the Children's Outpatients Department does not operate a drop-in service, you will need an appointment for the blood test. Please see the booking an appointment section below.

Our phlebotomy room benefits from the Rhino Voyager sensory trolley which produces a kaleidoscope of colour, sound and touch as part of an immersive sensory experience which many children find to extremely beneficial during the phlebotomy process.

Sensory trolley Sensory trolley projector

If a blood test has been requested by your GP we can only accommodate this if your child is under the age of 1; for all children over the age of 1 go to the Children’s Community Phlebotomy page

Our team consists of qualified Phlebotomists, along with staff experienced in working with children including those with additional needs. All staff are trained in distraction techniques with the aim of ensuring each child receives their blood test in a professional and holistic manner. We have a spacious waiting area with toys and activities. Additionally, we can offer extended appointment times for children who have sensory needs.

Please be aware that the Phlebotomy team are often very busy as along with pre-booked bloods, they also perform a large number of ‘on the day’ blood appointments. On the day blood appointments are performed for children who are attending various clinics within the department whose clinical teams have requested an immediate blood test.

Routine or monitoring bloods

As part of your child's ongoing treatment, they may be required to have regular bloods to monitor their condition. These blood tests are normally requested by consultant or other clinical members of their team. Please be aware this is not a walk in service and an appointment will need to be booked via our QR code or email address.

Phlebotomy waiting area 

Booking an appointment

To book the child’s phlebotomy appointment, please contact us by simply scanning this QR code with your mobile phone

                                                                  QR code that opens an email

or by using the email address below giving the following details:

  • The child's name
  • The child's date of birth
  • The child's NHS number or hospital Number (if known)
  • Details of which clinician requested the blood test
  • What day of the week would suit your needs best (Monday-Friday)
  • What time of day would suit your needs best AM/PM

Email: nuhnt.qmcpaediatricbloods@nhs.net

 

If you have been given a blood form by your referring clinician please be sure to bring it with you.

How can I help my child?

Fluids

It is important that your child drinks a lot before they come as this helps with blood flow when the test is being done.

Cream

Your child may have been prescribed Emla cream to be applied before their test. Please ensure they have this applied 1 hour before their appointment. Please apply the cream to the back of both hands and the creases of both elbows where blue veins are prominent and cover with cling film.

Emla - application Emla - applied

— The above pictures are for example only, please see your prescription for dosage instructions. — 

Other things you can do

  • Practice distraction techniques
  • Practice breathing techniques
  • Choose toys and comfort items that your child can bring with them to the appointment
  • Ensure the instructions regarding eating and drinking are followed before the appointment

Obtaining blood samples

In Children’s Outpatients we offer two ways in which your child’s blood test can be taken. The method in which your child’s blood can be taken is dictated by the amount of blood needed for the sample to be analysed and tests required. The staff obtaining the blood sample will discuss with you which method they need to use to obtain the sample. 

Capillary

  • A small single use device called a lancet is used which makes a small scratch on your child’s finger or thumb.
  • For children under six months the heel or toe may be used similar to test the performed by the midwife at approximately 2 weeks of age.
  • The blood is then gently squeezed from the site and collected in the necessary bottles.
  • This method is generally used when a small volume of blood is needed and can not be performed for all blood samples.

Venous 

  • The blood sample is obtained using a small butterfly needle which is attached to a syringe; the blood is collected in the syringe and then decanted into the necessary bottles.
  • A small strap called a tourniquet is used to identify which vein is potentially the best; the most common sites used are the inside of the elbow and the back of the hand. Sometimes, a UV light device called an Accuvein will be used which is hoovered over the hand or arm to show the veins up to assist the phlebotomists in finding the vein.
  • During the procedure, your child will need to stay as still as possible.  Occasionally additional staff will be required to support and steady the site intended to be used.

Play specialists

Within the outpatient department we have a small number of play specialists who are available on request to assist and provide distraction during procedures. The blood staff can call on the play specialists if they feel children will benefit from having play input whilst undergoing a blood test. Please notify staff prior to coming in for the blood test if your child is anxious, had a previous bad experience, or if you feel additional play support is needed.

Blood test results

All results from blood tests will be forwarded to your child’s consultant or requesting doctor.  No blood results will be given from the Outpatient’s blood room.  If you have any questions or are concerned, please contact the secretary of the consultant who is providing your child’s care via the hospital switchboard on 0115 9249924 or your GP Practice.

Help in a crisis

Call 111 or speak to your GP.

In an emergency, call 999.