Blood tests

There are four main ways your child may access the blood service within Outpatients, these are

• Whilst attending an Outpatients appointment (including Hearing services, Cystic Fibrosis Unit and Safeguarding Support Unit)
• For routine bloods as part of your child’s ongoing treatment as requested by their consultant or specialist nurse
• Via your child’s GP (Please note this service is now by appointment only)
• Via Charles Clifford Dental Hospital by appointment only

Please note that the Outpatients Department does not operate a drop-in service – you will need an appointment for your blood test.

Outpatients appointment

During your child’s outpatient appointment the doctor may request some blood tests to be performed. These can normally be completed on the same day as their appointment. This service is also performed at our peripheral sites including Northern General Hospital Outpatients 2 and Ryegate Assessment Unit, however occasionally it may be appropriate for these to be performed at the Acute site (Sheffield Children’s Hospital),and if so an appointment will be arranged if this is required.

Routine / Monitoring Bloods

As part of your child ongoing treatment they may be required to have regular bloods to monitor their condition these are normally requested by their consultant and other members of the team such as specialist nurses. Please be aware this is not a walk in service and an appointment will need to be booked via the appointments line on 0114 305 3691. Appointments are available Monday – Friday between 09:00 – 16:30.

Please ensure you bring any blood forms you may have been given with you, we will be unable to perform blood tests without the appropriate blood forms.

GP Bloods

Following a consultation with your GP they may request your child to have some blood tests performed. These will be performed in the blood rooms within outpatients, an appointment will need to be arranged by phoning the appointment line on 0114 305 3691. Appointments are available Monday – Friday between 09:00 – 16:30. Please ensure you bring your childs blood forms with you to the appointment, we are unable to perform blood tests without the appropriate blood forms.  Late arrivals may not be able to be seen on the day and will need to rebook for a later date

Charles Clifford Dental Hospital

Following a consultation / treatment at the dental hospital they may request your child to have some blood tests performed. These will be performed in the blood rooms within outpatients, an appointment will need to be arranged by phoning the appointment line on 0114 305 3691. Appointments are available Monday – Friday between 09:00 – 16:30. Please ensure you bring your child’s blood forms with you to the appointment, we are unable to perform blood tests without the appropriate blood forms.

Obtaining blood samples

In 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 blood staff 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.

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 hands. Sometimes, a UV light device called an Accuvein will be used which is hoovered over your hand or arm to show your veins up to assist the phlebotomists in finding your 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.
• Numbing cold spray or local anaesthetic cream is available and routinely offered prior to blood samples being taken; the blood staff will discuss the benefits and implications before administration. Please be aware local anaesthetic cream will need to be applied 45-60 minutes before the blood test is performed.

Play Specialist

Within outpatients 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 your blood test if your child is anxious, had a previous bad experience or if you feel additional play support is needed.

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 Outpatients 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 0114 2717000 or your GP Practice.