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:
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.
Our collectors are paediatric-trained and use kid-friendly techniques, including:
1. Preparation.
Helpful phrases for kids:
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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:
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).
Our children’s pathology services are designed to make blood tests safe, efficient, and child-friendly. You and your child are in good hands.