Pediatric and Geriatric Patients
 
Now we are going to give a little insight on how to collect blood from pediatric and geriatric  patients. When in these situations you need to have some special knowledge and training. Both  age groups require extra care when drawing blood.

 
Pediatric Patients
 
Children do not understand medical terminology or adult situations. You need to take time and  have patience when talking to them. They will relate all needles to pain. It is vital that you practice  techniques, such as the butterfly, to become more comfortable performing venipunctures on  children. Be calm and confident when talking to children, meet them at eye level, explain the  procedure in terms they would understand. Anytime when dealing with children ask for help from  a co-worker; you will need it. Most children will not be cooperative in this situation. Don’t ever lie  and say, “this won’t hurt,” because let’s face it, you will be sticking a needle in their arm! Of  course, it will hurt a little. Most children relate needles to shots and expect that sort of pain, we  like to call it more of a mosquito bite! (Get it? Mosquito bite… blood?) Here are some steps to  follow: