24 September 2009

Best place for blood test with needle phobia

24 September 2009 | By buttons

I need to go have a blood test and I have a massive needle phobia – can anyone recommend a good clinic to go where the nurses understand these issues and have patience?

Thanks

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nemo20036:28 pm 29 Jan 10

I suffer from same problem to the point I have had to be sedated with valium once. I went to Eloise at Symbion in Belconnen last year and she was a sweetheart. She was recommended to me by my GP. She was funny, sensitive, gentle and caring. She held my hand, spoke to me softly and I hardly felt a thing. She explained procedure from beginning to end and was one of the most professional nurses Ive come across with a cheeky sense of humour to calm me. At the end of the test, I went to de4sk to pay only to discover I was bulk billed by her. I no longer need sedation when I can get in with her and I give her 20 out of 10. She is also good with young children if that helps. Best of luck, I know how you feel!

gun street girl5:36 pm 26 Sep 09

Best stick to the mob that your doctor uses, for the sake of your results not being lost or delayed. Capital and ACT Path have multiple collection centres alike, so you’re free to pick the one most convenient, but try not to go to Capital, for instance, if your request form comes from ACT Path (or vice-versa).

Primal11:15 am 26 Sep 09

rosebud said :

I-filed – I DO have a phobia, but it involved underpants.

I’m sure there’s a joke in there somewhere about a shared phobia of little pricks…

me7010:49 pm 25 Sep 09

I have to have bi-monthly bloodtests to check medication levels..I’ve always hated them, but since I’ve started going to the collection place inside Calvary Hospital, I haven’t had any probs..it’s all they do so it’s very quick and relatively painless..and you can reward yourself with a chocky (or whatever!) at the cafe next door afterwards!.. can’t remember if it’s ACT Pathology or Capital Pathology? It’s not the one across the road from A&E but the one downstairs from the maternity ward..good luck 🙂

VITURE8:44 pm 25 Sep 09

Hi At Lyneham shops they are excellent, as I’m not scared, just concerned that they find my veins as they are hard to find, narrow veins, most pathologist’s have trouble finding them and I end up with a lot of bruising.

katahandmade7:44 pm 25 Sep 09

I have found Capital Pathology at John James hospital in Deakin to be great. No wait for my appointments and very understanding nurses (I too have a bit of a phobia!)

Also it might help to take a family member/friend with you who can help distract you while its being done?

rosebud3:26 pm 25 Sep 09

I-filed – I DO have a phobia, but it involved underpants.

I-filed1:14 pm 25 Sep 09

rosebud said :

I think you should all grow up! Scared of a little needle, plunging into your veins to relieve you of some of your vital essence. What could you possibly be afraid of except your own fear. Pffft.

Rosebud you don’t have a phobia, so you aren’t placed to judge.

Buttons, I’m not scared of needles but I recall that the male nurse who took blood at Capital Pathology when it was at the Ainslie shops was fantastic, took his time and chatted. If you phone Capital, you could simply ask them who they would recommend among their staff around their clinics – they’ll be aware of who is particularly empathetic, as they probably will have had feedback over the years, and I’m sure they’ll help.

Cal12:20 pm 25 Sep 09

I have blood tests every week and you something, it’s just a little jab. No worse than a prick from a rose bush. There’s worse things – like a scalpel.

barking toad12:01 pm 25 Sep 09

haha – nice one centurion!