Children typically require fewer tests than adults, but there are times when children need lab tests and a helping hand to get them through the procedure. A caring grownup can help the child cope with any physical pain or discomfort as well as any fear, anxiety, or emotional reactions that may occur as the sample is collected. Below are some general recommendations on helping children through these medical procedures as well as some specific tips on blood, urine and stool specimens, and throat culture sample collections.<\/p>\n
Prepare the Child<\/em> — Calmly explain how the sample will be collected and why, giving the child time to adjust to the idea before anyone touches his or her body.<\/p>\n Encourage Rehearsing<\/em> — At home or in a setting comfortable for the child, suggest ways the child can rehearse. The child can practice some techniques at home or pretend with a doll or stuffed toy as the patient.<\/p>\n Help the Child Put it in Perspective<\/em> — Relate the part of the procedure the child may find overwhelming to something the child has mastered or is familiar with; for example, explain that this will be over as fast as it takes for you to climb stairs at home or in less time than a certain song can be sung.<\/p>\n Plan a Reward<\/em> — Telling the child about something fun you plan to do together after the lab test can be helpful as encouragement and distraction.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Learn how a caring grownup can help a child cope with any physical pain or discomfort as well as any fear, anxiety, or emotional reactions that may occur as a sample is collected for laboratory testing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[],"keyword":[11161],"class_list":["post-5777","article","type-article","status-publish","hentry","keyword-featured"],"acf":{"city":"","state":""},"yoast_head":"\n