Venepuncture and Cannulation in Children

When a child is unwell or in hospital for tests, the Doctors or Nurses may need to take blood samples or give medication into a vein.

Taking a blood sample involves venepuncture and giving medication into a vein involves cannulation.

What is venepuncture?

This means taking blood from a vein. Your child’s Doctor or Nurse will explain why this is needed.

How is it done?

A tourniquet (elastic band) is sometimes put around your child’s arm or leg. The arm or leg is held still while a small needle is put into a vein. Taking blood does not usually take very long.

Sometimes veins may be hard to find in small children so more than one attempt to obtain bloods may be needed.

What is cannulation?

The cannula is a small plastic tube which is put into the vein with a small needle. The needle is then removed leaving the tube in the vein which is held in place with a dressing and bandage. 

The cannula will be flushed (a saline – salt and water – solution is injected into the cannula) before and after medication is given.

When the cannula is in position it allows Doctors and Nurses to use the vein to give any medications needed.

This process will need to be carried out again if:

• A vein cannot be found.
• Not enough blood can be obtained.
• The cannula cannot be flushed or secured.

Does it hurt?

There may be a little bruising and soreness where the needle goes in which usually clears up quickly.

If it is possible to delay the test for an hour, the Doctor or Nurse may use a ‘magic’ cream that will numb the skin which helps to reduce any pain.

If it is important to do the test straight away then the cream cannot be used. Instead a spray can be used to numb the skin as the cream can take up to 45 minutes to work.

How can I keep my child comfortable?

If your child asks about the tests being carried out, you should try to reassure them and explain in simple terms what is being done and why. 

If a cannula is in the child’s hand this can be scary for them but it is important to keep it secure.

At times it is helpful to tell stories, talk about the family or anything else that may help to take their mind off the procedure. You should try to stay calm and comfort your child, if you get upset so will your child.

The staff are there to help you and your child. If you would like more information please ask the Doctor or Nurse caring for your child.

How and when will the cannula be removed?

When your child’s treatment has finished, a Nurse will carefully remove the cannula and cover the area with a dressing.  This usually does not hurt.

Contact numbers

If you need further advice or have any questions please contact:

Children’s Ward

Telephone: 01642 382715

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Children’s and Young Person’s Emergency Department

Telephone: 01642 624533

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

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Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

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Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]