Updated Oct. 2024

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I used to dread the yearly blood tests that our Allergist would request at our food allergy follow-ups. They seemed to cause so much stress for my girls and it was a struggle every year. I kept wondering how to calm a child for an allergy blood test so it would be easier. I now know how important it is to do some blood test prep to make the whole thing go smoothly.

That was until I learned an anxiety strategy from our Psychologist. This wasn’t a strategy for blood test prep specifically, BUT I was able to adjust it slightly and it changed EVERYTHING and made allergy blood tests calmer and easier.

Keep reading to learn these easy tips!

Blood Test Prep for Allergies

1. Honestly talk about what to expect at the blood test.

Explain that the allergy blood test feels like a little poke at first. It might feel uncomfortable and even hurt, BUT it will only last a second.  Show them how long a second is, and ensure them they are strong enough to handle it. If you can be honest and take the initial surprise away, it makes a BIG difference. 

The initial poke is often the most painful and surprising.  As the blood is drawn, it usually takes a little while, but it isn’t painful, just uncomfortable. If your child is old enough to understand, you may want to talk about this. It can help to do “practice” blood draws with a stuffy or dolly.  Seeing that their favorite stuffy can handle it makes it MUCH easier for them too.

2. Keep your child well-hydrated on the day of the allergy blood test.  

Prep for an allergy blood test by drinking lots of fluids. Start at the beginning of the day, but especially get them to drink even more an hour before the test.  Juice boxes, water, or whatever your child can drink will be helpful.  Keeping hydrated makes those veins easier to see and find, which means things will go quicker and be less uncomfortable. 

3. Right before and during the allergy blood test, try to engage your child’s five senses.  

Our psychologist taught us that it’s very hard to be anxious when all of our senses are engaged.  You can start this process as soon as you’re in the room, and just repeat it until the blood test is done.  Here’s the grounding method she taught us with my adjustments for smaller kids. 

Ask your child to find:

• 5 things you can see.

This might look like asking your child to show you 5 things that are ”blue” in the room or in a book that you bring.

• 4 things you can feel. 

This might mean bringing 4 different textures and asking your child to touch each one.

• 3 things you can hear.

This might look like you whispering 3 words or sounds or songs and asking your child to repeat them.

• 2 things you can smell.

This might look like you bringing some scratch and sniff stickers so they can tell you what they smell like.

• 1 thing you can taste.

This might look like bringing a small taste of something they love to eat. If your child is old enough to slowly suck on sour candy, that is ideal.  We use Sour Patch Kids! They are top allergen free and our Psychologist says that the sour flavor is especially good at engaging our sense of taste.

What do you think, will these 3 tips help prep your child for an allergy blood test?  Let me know in the comments what you think and which tip you’ll try!

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Food Allergy Kid’s Empowerment Guide

On another note: As a Food Allergy Coach, I know that daycare/preschool and school is a scary transition for food allergy parents. Its never to early to get them ready! I’ve got a free resource that will help you prepare your child age 2-7 for more independence. This free guide is perfect. Sign up today!