Preparing your child for a blood test

A blood test is an important diagnostic test that doctors prescribe when examining a child. His the value lies not only in the speed and ease of implementation, but also in the high information content of the results.

Virtually any childhood disease in one way or another changes the picture of the blood, and these changes (in combination with complaints and symptoms of the disease) make it easier for the doctor to make a diagnosis.

However, without proper preparation, the information content of a blood test will be minimal.

1. For taking a blood test, the morning time of the day is best, the norms of all analyzes are developed for the time interval of 7.00-11.00 am.

2. Donate blood for analysis should be on an empty stomach - the last meal before taking the material should be no earlier than 8-12 hours. With children, this rule is not so easy to follow, but it is possible. It is strictly forbidden to drink tea, juices or any snacks in the morning, this can significantly distort the results. You can drink only water (but not in large quantities). It will be better if the parents take a sandwich with them to the laboratory so that they can eat immediately after leaving the manipulation room.

If the blood test is for an infant, then at least 2 hours should pass after the last feeding.

3. The nutrition of the child 1-2 days before the blood test should exclude sweets, fried and fatty foods. Violation of the child's diet may be caused by attending a birthday or other festive event. If it was not possible to avoid the consumption of prohibited foods, then it is recommended to postpone the child's blood test for 1-2 days or warn the attending physician about this.

4. If the child is shown taking daily medications (including vitamins), then the blood for analysis must be taken before taking the medication. Also, when taking medications, it is necessary to take into account their effect on the norm of the child's general blood test, this information should be indicated in the instructions for use. If you have any doubts or questions, it is better to consult with your doctor.

5. Try to exclude physical activity in the child before donating blood - running, swimming, cycling, climbing stairs, long walks.

Try to make the blood donation procedure as comfortable as possible for the child, because stress and even crying can significantly change the performance. The child should be calm before taking the test, for this it is recommended to rest before the procedure for 10-15 minutes.

6. Before the procedure, even the smallest children should be explained in a serious tone what awaits him and what it is for. Let the baby not fully understand the essence of your words, but a calm and affirmative tone will give him calmness and relieve excessive anxiety.

7. Do not take a blood test after other examinations or procedures (X-ray, ultrasound, physiotherapy, massage).

8. Laboratories differ in research methods and units of measurement. For the most accurate interpretation and comparison of the results of laboratory tests in dynamics , it is recommended to take them in the same laboratory and manipulation room.

Competent preparation when taking a blood test involves obtaining accurate results. Therefore, it is important to follow the above recommendations, not forgetting that laboratory tests provide the attending physician with up to 70% of significant information for making a diagnosis.

Prepared by Maryana Chornovil