Coming for a blood test

The Butterfly Room

Children's Outpatients o o o

The Butterfly room

How to make an appointment?

• You can make an appointment by calling us on 02380 794075.

• We will ask you a series of questions to establish when and where your blood test will take place.

• We offer appointments on weekdays at varying times in Outpatients and in the community.

Community clinics.

• We run a clinic on a Tuesday at Weston Lane Surgery and on a Friday at St Mary’s Surgery.

• If you attend a Southampton GP you are likely to be asked to attend one of these clinics.

• It is the staff from the Butterfly room who run the community clinics

What will happen…

• When you arrive for your blood test, please book in at reception.

• One of the our staff will meet you and explain the procedure. You will then have the opportunity to ask any questions.

Cream or Spray?

• We can use some cream or cold spray to numb the skin before the test.

• The cream takes 30 minutes to work and we usually put it on in two places.

• The spray goes on the skin just before the test and is very cold. This works straight away.

• We can discuss on the telephone when you make your appointment or when you arrive which option might be best for your child.

What happens when we take the blood?

• We will put a blue band around your child’s arm and pull it fairly tight to make the veins stand out.

• We will use our fingers to have a feel for a vein on your child’s arm and hand and then choose the best place to do a blood test.

• Children may watch a DVD or play with a toy while we do the test.

Children’s treats and rewards!

• For being good, trying hard and listening to what we say when having your blood test we often have some special treats.

• We sometimes have stickers, certificates and lolly pops!!