Hemophilia in Children: The Most Appropriate Method for Blood Draws

Expert Tips for Safe Blood Draws in Children with Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to form blood clots. Children with this condition are at risk of excessive bleeding, even from minor injuries or procedures. One of the most common procedures for children with hemophilia is blood draws for laboratory testing. However, the traditional method of using a needle and syringe can cause significant bleeding and even joint damage over time.

To minimize the risk of complications from blood draws, it is essential to use the most appropriate method. A small gauge butterfly needle is the preferred option as it causes less trauma to the blood vessels and reduces the risk of bleeding. It’s also important to use a vacuum tube with a low amount of anticoagulant to avoid excessive blood loss. In addition, it is recommended to have a trained healthcare professional, such as a phlebotomist or nurse, to perform the procedure. Applying heat to the extremity before venipunctures is not recommended as it can cause the blood vessels to dilate and increase the risk of bleeding. A tourniquet should be applied to the extremity before venipunctures. Scheduling all labs to be drawn at one time also minimizes the number of punctures.

The most appropriate method for drawing blood from a child with hemophilia would be to:

1. Use a small gauge butterfly needle, as it causes less trauma to the blood vessels and reduces the risk of bleeding.
2. Be prepared to administer platelets for prolonged bleeding.
3. Apply a tourniquet to the extremity before venipunctures.
4. Schedule all labs to be drawn at one time to minimize the number of punctures. It is also recommended to have a trained healthcare professional, such as a phlebotomist or nurse, to perform the procedure.

It is important to avoid finger punctures as it is a common site for bleeding and can cause joint damage over time. Applying heat to the extremity before venipunctures is not recommended as it can cause the blood vessels to dilate and increase the risk of bleeding.