Pediatric Blood Draw Services at Wible Family Medicine in Bakersfield, CA

At Universal Pediatrics, we understand that having blood drawn can be a stressful experience for both children and their parents. That’s why we encourage parents and caregivers to stay with their child during blood draws whenever possible. Your presence can provide essential emotional comfort, reduce anxiety, and help your child feel more secure throughout the procedure.

Our pediatric team recognizes the importance of parental support. We welcome you to hold your child’s hand, speak soothingly, or help distract them to make the process as smooth as possible.

We also understand that every child and situation is unique. In rare cases—for example, if a child is extremely anxious or uncooperative—our staff may ask parents to step aside briefly to ensure everyone’s safety. Additionally, there may be certain circumstances, such as specific medical needs or space limitations, where we need to adjust our approach. However, our priority is always the comfort and well-being of your child.

If you have any concerns or questions about staying with your child during a blood draw at Universal Pediatrics, please don’t hesitate to talk with our healthcare team. We’re here to explain our procedures, offer guidance, and work with you to support your child’s needs every step of the way.

At Universal Pediatrics, we understand that blood draws can be a source of anxiety for children and their families. Our experienced pediatric team is committed to making the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible for every child.

Sedation is generally not required for pediatric blood draws at Universal Pediatrics. For most children, our skilled healthcare providers are able to collect blood samples safely and effectively using child-friendly techniques. We prioritize comfort measures such as distraction, the use of topical numbing creams (like EMLA or LMX), and encouraging the presence of a caregiver during the procedure. Our staff is specially trained to explain each step in a way that helps reduce anxiety and builds trust with our young patients.

In rare cases, additional support may be considered. If a child experiences extreme anxiety, has developmental challenges, or has had traumatic experiences with medical procedures in the past, our team will work closely with families to develop an individualized plan. In some situations, mild sedation or anxiolytic medications may be recommended and administered under strict medical supervision to ensure safety and cooperation.

At Universal Pediatrics, routine sedation is not part of our standard practice for blood draws. Instead, we focus on gentle, non-pharmacological strategies to support both children and their caregivers through the experience.

At Universal Pediatrics, we know that blood draw appointments can be stressful for both children and parents. To help make your visit as smooth and comfortable as possible, we recommend bringing a few essential items:

Identification and Insurance: Please bring your child’s health insurance card and any documentation required by Universal Pediatrics for registration.

Lab Requisition Form: Be sure to bring the laboratory order or requisition form provided by your Universal Pediatrics healthcare provider. Our laboratory staff will use this form to ensure the correct tests are performed.

Current Medication List: If your child takes any medications, bring a current list or the medication bottles. Our team may need this information for the appointment.

Comfort Items: To help your child feel at ease, pack a favorite toy, blanket, or comfort item. These can be especially helpful in our kid-friendly environment.

Snack or Drink: If your child was asked to fast before the blood test, consider bringing a small snack or drink for after the procedure.

Special Instructions: Follow any specific instructions given by your Universal Pediatrics provider, such as fasting, hydration, or medication guidelines.

Our team at Universal Pediatrics is dedicated to making your child’s blood draw as stress-free as possible. With these preparations, you can help ensure a positive experience for your child and peace of mind for yourself.

At Universal Pediatrics, we understand that having your child’s blood drawn can be stressful, and you may have questions about how to prepare. Whether your child can eat or drink before a blood draw depends on the type of test being performed.

For most routine blood tests we perform—such as a complete blood count (CBC)—no special preparation is needed. Your child can eat and drink as usual before coming to our office.

However, some tests—like fasting glucose or cholesterol panels—require your child to avoid food and drink (except water) for a certain period, usually between 8 and 12 hours before the blood draw. Following these instructions is important, as eating or drinking when fasting is required can affect the accuracy of the test results.

Child-Friendly Blood Draw Services at Wible Family Medicine

When it comes to pediatric blood draws, experience and patience are key. At Wible Family Medicine, our trained phlebotomists have a wealth of experience working with infants, children, and teenagers. We employ various methods to help ease anxiety, from distraction techniques to explaining the process in simple, reassuring terms. Our goal is to minimize discomfort and create a positive experience, so that future visits to the doctor are met with less fear.

A Stress-Free Experience for Your Child’s Blood Draw at Wible Family Medicine

Choosing Wible Family Medicine for your child’s blood draw needs means entrusting their care to a team that prioritizes their comfort and well-being. We combine our expertise in pediatric care with a gentle, compassionate approach, ensuring that your child feels safe and supported throughout the entire process. At Wible Family Medicine, you can feel confident that your child’s health is in the hands of caring professionals who understand the unique needs of young patients.

Drinking water before a blood draw is generally encouraged, as it can help make your child’s veins easier to access and the experience more comfortable. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6640 Wible Road Bakersfield, CA 93313. We also serve patients from Bakersfield CA, Maltha CA, Kayandee CA, Burness CA, Clovis CA, Panama CA, Alameda CA, and surrounding areas.