Having a child's blood test at the Royal Free Hospital

What is a phlebotomist?

A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who is trained to carry out blood tests.

How to book a child’s blood test

1. Book the appointment by following this link: https://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/services/blood-tests
2. Scroll down to “book your child’s blood test” and click on “Royal Free Hospital” then access the “book your child’s appointment” link.
3. Location: Royal Free Hospital, Clinic 1, First Floor, The Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, Hampstead, London, NW3 2QG).
4. Opening times: Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm (excluding bank holidays).

Additional needs or concerns

If your child is particularly anxious or has/awaiting a diagnosis of autism and/or learning disability, please notify staff when booking your appointment. They may be able to arrange for a play specialist to assist with the appointment. A play specialist can help explain what will happen and distract your child. It is also helpful to let them know if your child has had a blood test before and how it went.

Please consider childcare for extra siblings during the appointment, it can be easier to just have parent and child in the appointment room. A play specialist can sometimes wait outside the room with siblings.

For infection control purposes, please arrive no more than 10 minutes before your appointment time slot. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be seen and asked to rebook your appointment. 

Preparing your child for the blood test

Having a blood test can be quite unsettling for your child. It is always a good idea to prepare your child before having one done. Talk to your child beforehand, explain what might happen, tell them it will be over quickly, be honest with them and give them lots of reassurance.

Here's a blood test preparation video for you and your child to watch:

On the day of the blood test

Please encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids prior to their appointment as this will help the phlebotomist/nurse to find a vein. There are toilets on site that can be accessed as needed.

Keeping your child's arms and hands warm prior to the appointment, particularly in winter, as this will help with the blood test. On arrival, please check in at clinic one reception. You will then be directed to wait in the waiting area.

What to bring with you on the day

• A printout of your blood forms with you, otherwise our nurses will not be able to do the test for your child.
• Toys/books and favourite items for distraction during waiting times. There is free NHS Wi-Fi (follow the instructions on your device to connect).
• Comfort objects (blanket, teddy, dummy, fidget/sensory toy)
• Ear defenders/noise cancelling headphone (for children who are sensitive to noisy/busy environments) 
• Water 

How can I help my child cope with the blood test?

It is normal for a child to feel worried about coming for a test and we try to make the environment as calm and friendly as possible. Do show them the photos below, so they are familiar with what the hospital and room will look like. 

We do find that if the parent/carer appears calm and relaxed, this helps the child feel this way too. Depending on the child, encourage them to sit on the parents' lap and give them a firm hug during the blood test.

Making the blood test more comfortable

Cold spray 

At the appointment, a phlebotomist/nurse can offer cold spray (works instantly). This spray feels cold but does not hurt.

Numbing / anaesthetic cream 

Numbing cream (a special cream that numbs the skin to reduce discomfort) can be applied for children who wish to have it. It does take 30 minutes to work. Please discuss with the nurses or phlebotomist when you arrive if this is something you would like to consider. 

Waiting before the appointment

While we make every effort to see children at their scheduled time, occasional short delays may occur. Our staff will keep you informed and work to minimise waiting times. We encourage you to bring entertainment (eg. your child’s favourite toys/books) to help distract them while waiting. While we do have a playroom, it is not always available. Personal items can help your child feel more comfortable.   

Appointments usually last for 15 minutes.

How is a blood test done?

You will be called into the room by one of the phlebotomists/nurses who will introduce themselves and explain all about what will happen during the procedure. The blood sample will be collected from the vein with a Butterfly needle (small, thin needle)

After the blood test

It is quite common for small bruising to occur around the area where blood was taken after a blood test, this will normally go away in three to five days. However, if it does not improve, is swollen or painful then please contact the clinic or seek medical advice.

Once the blood samples have been taken, they are sent to the laboratory for testing. The waiting time for test results can vary and it can be longer for more complex tests. Once completed the results will be sent directly to the doctor who requested them, this is usually a consultant within the hospital or your child’s GP. If you have any questions about when you might receive the results, please contact the referring doctor. 

Visual directions to Royal Free Hospital paediatric bloods clinic

Please be aware these images do not represent the usual busy environment of the hospital. 

1. Outside hospital entrance  

2. Hospital entrance  

3. Ground Floor lifts

4. Take the lift to the first floor

5. first floor lift waiting area

6. Entrance to clinic one

7. Check in at clinic one reception

8. Clinic one corridor

9. Clinic one waiting area

10. Entrance to blood clinic

11. Inside the blood clinic, where blood tests take place.

12. Exit to clinic one