Blood Test Advice & Aftercare

We know having blood taken, especially at home, could feel a little daunting. That’s why at Bloods & Beyond we follow strict standards to make sure every appointment is safe, clean, and reassuring. We produced this Phlebotomy Aftercare Guide to support you after your blood test:

• Every draw is done using brand-new, sterile equipment, including sealed needles, tubes and swabs. Everything is safely disposed of immediately after use, and we will never leave any materials for you to dispose of.
• Our phlebotomists arrive with appropriate protective gear and sanitise their hands before every appointment.
• We always confirm your identity and any relevant test or referral forms before we begin.
• In your home, we create a clean, well‑lit environment for the draw, matching the standards you’d expect in a clinic.
• We explain the procedure clearly and encourage you to ask questions at any time.

Your comfort, safety, and dignity always come first. There may be situations where it is not safe or advised to take a blood draw, you can see our Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria here.

Paediatric Appointments

Having blood taken can be frightening for a child, particularly if they have had a difficult experience before or have additional sensory or communication needs. Our paediatric phlebotomists are trained to work with children and will take time to reassure them, explain what is happening and make the experience as comfortable as possible.

There are also some simple things you can do to help prepare your child.

Comfort Holding

A comfort hold allows you to keep your child close and supported while giving the phlebotomist safe access to their arm. For younger children this will often mean sitting securely on a parent’s or carer’s lap.

Comfort holding should feel like a reassuring cuddle rather than restraint. Your phlebotomist will show you how they need your child positioned and where they need you to provide support.

Comfort holding must never become forcibly holding a distressed child down to enable a blood test.

If your child is actively struggling, pulling their arm away or becoming increasingly distressed, the phlebotomist may pause or stop the procedure.

Reducing Pain

A topical local anaesthetic such as EMLA cream can reduce the discomfort caused by the needle and can be particularly helpful for anxious children.

EMLA usually needs to be applied around 60 minutes before the blood test to intact, healthy skin and covered with the appropriate dressing. Do not rub the cream into the skin. Please follow the instructions supplied with the product and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure whether it is suitable for your child.

Remember that numbing cream reduces the sensation from the needle but does not remove feelings of pressure or touch completely.

Distraction

Distraction can make an enormous difference. Think about what normally captures your child’s attention and have it ready before the phlebotomist arrives.

This might be:

• A favourite programme or video on a phone or tablet
• Headphones and music
• A favourite toy or comfort item
• A game, book or sensory toy
• Talking about something they are particularly interested in
• Counting, singing or simply looking away

For some children, particularly those with autism or additional sensory needs, preparing gradually over several days or weeks can help. Talking through what will happen, looking at pictures or practising sitting in the position beforehand can make the real appointment feel much more familiar. Distraction, preparation and desensitisation are all recognised ways of helping children tolerate blood tests.

What if my child won’t have the blood test?

A successful blood draw can never be guaranteed.

Our phlebotomists will use their training and experience to reassure your child and give them the best possible opportunity to complete the test. However, for routine and non-urgent blood tests, we will not forcibly restrain a child in order to obtain a blood sample.

If your child is significantly distressed, actively resisting or cannot safely cooperate, the phlebotomist may decide that it is in their best interests to stop.

At that point, the phlebotomist’s decision is final for that appointment. The cost of the test, the cost of the appointment or a parent’s wish to continue will not override the child’s welfare.

Parents and carers must not attempt to forcibly restrain a child after the phlebotomist has decided to stop. Any situation in which our phlebotomist believes a child’s welfare is at risk will be managed in accordance with our safeguarding procedures.

Sometimes not taking the blood that day is the right outcome. Your child may be much more able to manage the procedure after further preparation, desensitisation or simply when they are older.

The appointment fee remains payable where a phlebotomist attends but is unable to obtain the sample.

If the test is particularly important, time-sensitive or clinically essential, please speak to the clinician or laboratory requesting it before booking. You should also ask them what the consequences are if the sample cannot be obtained, as a different clinical setting or additional support may sometimes be more appropriate.

Immediately After the Draw:

• Press a clean cotton ball or gauze firmly over the puncture site for at least 2 minutes to allow the vein to seal properly.
• Keep the plaster or dressing on for at least one hour to protect the area.

Activities to Avoid:

These are best avoided for the next few hours to reduce the risk of bruising, bleeding or discomfort:

• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity involving the arm used for the draw.
• Avoid tight clothing around the puncture area.
• Try not to over‑strain or continuously use that arm, give it a little rest.

If You Experience Bruising or Minor Discomfort:

• It’s common to feel slight soreness or see a small bruise after a blood draw.
• If you notice a bruise or mild swelling, apply a cold pack for 10–15 minutes.
• You may take simple pain relief such as paracetamol if needed (unless advised otherwise).
• Bruises can take a few days, sometimes up to a week, to fade completely.