Children’s blood tests: a guide for parents.

Why Kinkaya?  

We built our clinic around the reality that children aren’t miniature adults. Appointments are longer. Language is different. The environment matters. Blood tests are no exception.

In partnering with Western Diagnostics, our aim is to make the experience as positive as possible for the whole family.

Blood tests are a normal part of checking how a child’s body is working. Common reasons include:

• To figure out what’s causing symptoms
  If your child is unusually tired, getting recurrent fevers, or picking up infections often, a blood test can help pinpoint the cause.
• To keep an eye on ongoing conditions
  Children with diabetes, anaemia, or thyroid conditions may have regular blood tests to ensure everything is on track.
• To check medication levels
  Some medicines need monitoring to make sure the dose is correct and effective.

Children’s pathology FAQs.

Do we really have to do this?

Blood tests help check for infections, monitor conditions, and guide treatments. They aren’t ordered lightly. With the right approach, most kids handle the process better than parents expect.

What equipment do you use during a children’s blood test?

Our collectors are paediatric-trained and use kid-friendly techniques, including:

• Numbing cream: Optional, but recommended for nervous kids. A doctor applies it beforehand.
• VR headset: Distracts from the procedure; many children don’t even notice the needle.
• Bubbles: Fun and surprisingly effective for younger children.
• Buzzy ice packs: These reduce needle pain with vibration and cold placed above the injection site.

What can I expect during the test?

1. Preparation.

Helpful phrases for kids:

• “The nurse will put a special cream on your arm so you’ll barely feel the pinch.”
• “If you want to, you can put on some special goggles that’ll play a fun movie for you.”
• “You might feel a quick pinch, like a tiny bug bite, and then it’s done.”
• “You can hold my hand if you want to or sit on my lap.”
• “The nurse will put a small bandage on your arm afterwards, and you’ll get a sticker or a treat.”

2. The procedure.

Most tests take only a few minutes once set up. Our Western Diagnostic phlebotomists are specialists in paediatric collections and use language and techniques that help children feel comfortable. While you confirm details, the nurse may apply numbing cream and introduce VR goggles. The needle is inserted gently, and the procedure is over quickly.

3. Aftercare.

A small bandage, some bubbles, and a hug from mum or dad are usually all that’s needed.

What if my child refuses or becomes distressed?

It happens. Some children are fine. Some aren’t. If your child is too distressed, we can pause and reassess. We don’t force children through procedures that aren’t safe or reasonable. Sometimes it takes a second attempt on another day and that’s okay.

What can I do to help my child stay calm?

My first practical tip is to try and stay calm yourself. Kids have emotional radars that detect our anxiety.

Distraction works remarkably well. Bring a favourite toy, comfort item, or book if your child doesn’t want to use the VR goggles.

Finally, positive reinforcement makes future visits easier. Let them know they handled it well. A simple “you were really brave” goes a long way.

What kinds of pathology tests can be done at Kinkaya?

Blood and urine tests can be used in conjunction with a thorough history and examination from a doctor to diagnose a variety of infections and conditions.

Pathology can help detect many common childhood illnesses including viral and bacterial infections, blood disorders like anaemia, kidney, liver, endocrine, genetic disorders and more. With a simple respiratory swab, we can detect infections like RSV, Parainfluenza, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Influenza A and B, COVID -19, Adenovirus, and more.

Western Diagnostics offer a range of standard and special tests from our clinic (see the list here).

Does my child have to fast?

That depends on what type of blood test they need. Your GP will advise you if this is the case. If your child does need to fast, I recommend fasting overnight and getting here first thing in the morning.

Do I need to make an appointment?

No, Western Diagnostics works on order of arrival. You’ll only need to see one of our GPs first if your child would like to use numbing cream, which will slightly delay your wait time. Western Diagnostics at Kinkaya is open:

• Monday to Friday, 10am - 6pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 9am- 1pm

When will I get the results?

Usually, within a few days of collection. However, some testing is more involved and may take longer. If the tests were ordered by Kinkaya, and everything is normal, that’s good news. If something needs follow-up, we’ll contact you and explain clearly what it means and what we do next. Abnormal does not automatically mean serious.

If the tests were ordered by your regular GP, you will need to liaise with that specific clinic. Additionally, results are routinely uploaded to My Health Record (unless you’ve opted out of this).

Trust the experts.

Our children’s pathology services are designed to make blood tests safe, efficient, and child-friendly. You and your child are in good hands.