Help! with Lead Blood Test Screenings

I'm a phlebotomist and yes a lab is going to be a little more prepared for dealing with a little one. One of THE most important things for you to do as a mom is STAY CALM. Yes it's going to be uncomfortable for little man. BUT if you stay calm, try to distract him (with silly songs or poems or something like that) and HOLD HIS ARM STILL it'll go much easier.

The other option is to go straight for the papoose board. And it's designed like it sounds. It's confines and restrains a small child so that they can't grab at the needle and keeps their arm still. I personally prefer a parent to hold them as often as possible. I think it's more comforting for the child. But I'm also not averse to using the board if mom can't or won't hold kiddo still.

I'm also a mother of 3 who have all had to be held down for one reason or another. So I understand how mom feels too :)

We had our daughter's drawn at the lab and the woman who did it did such a good job my daughter didn't even notice! My husband was with us and entertaining her while I held her. I was totally amazed! I'm hoping your lab experience goes just as well!

I had the same experience with my daughter....absolutely aweful!!! The lab was definitely more prepared, but it was still no walk in the park. Like an earlier comment...try and stay calm, the more worked up you are the more your son will be. I also let my daughter bring Puddles, her dog stuffed animal. Good Luck!

My son also hated having any shots or blood tests and would become absolutley hysterical. When he was 2 the Dr needed to draw blood to see if he had a bacterial infection. They brought in 2 nurses to hold him down. They told me to walk out of the room when they did the procedure. I am surprised your pediatriciandid not do the same. In fact it is usually the nurses that take care of thiese procedures. You will end up with the same problem at the lab.Warn them in advance so they can get a few to hold him down.
It is emotional but it needs to get done. Do not cave in..Good luck, L.

Why do they want to do a lead test? Is it necessary? My daughters are 21 and 12 and have never had one because there wasn't a need.

I find the lab facilities much better equipped to draw blood out of the little ones. No matter what, it isn't going to be pleasant. Your son was probably reacting more to the fact that he was being restrained than anything else. That isn't going to be any different at a facility as they will either strap down his arm or have someone help you physically restrain him. Your doctor didn't quit because he was having a fit...he quit because they probably couldn't get a good draw.

If he is at risk, it is important for him to have this screening ASAP. None of us likes to intentionally expose our children to something painful, but there are some facts in life. Some temporary discomfort from time to time is a fact of life.