Autism Friendly Phlebotomy Service - CHI at Connolly
Welcome to the Autism-Friendly Phlebotomy Service at CHI at Connolly. This service supports children and young people with autism who may need extra help when having a blood test.
Introduction
CHI at Connolly - Blanchardstown
Your child has been referred to this service because previous attempts to take blood were not successful. Your doctor will have provided you with the required blood forms, which you must bring with you to your appointment.
Page contents
On this page you will find information about:
Our Team
Our service is delivered by a multidisciplinary team, including:
- Nurses
- A Play Specialist
- Phlebotomists
- Healthcare Assistants
- A Doctor
What to Expect After Referral
Once your child has been referred:
- A member of our team will contact you by phone to discuss your child’s individual needs.
- During this call, we will:
- Talk through your child’s specific support needs
- Explain our phlebotomy desensitisation programme, which involves a series of appointments to help your child become familiar with the environment and prepare for the blood test
- Discuss the use of Social Stories (step-by-step picture booklets) and Preparation Packs (containing some of the equipment used during blood tests)
- Talk through your child’s specific support needs
- We may discuss the option of conscious sedation using Nitrous Oxide (Entonox or “gas and air”):
- This is only offered if a doctor confirms it is suitable for your child
- Sedation does not take place on the same day as a desensitisation appointment
- This is only offered if a doctor confirms it is suitable for your child
- An appointment date and time will then be arranged
- If your child would benefit from having two parents or guardians present, please let us know during this call
What to Expect on the Day of the Appointment
The appointment is led by our Play Specialist and progresses at your child’s pace. You will be able to stay with your child at all times.
Arrival
- Please arrive at your allocated time and check in at the main reception on the ground floor.
- Reception staff will contact the clinic team, who will meet you at reception.
- If needed, you may wait in our multi-sensory room.
- We plan clinics carefully to avoid long waiting times.
During the Appointment
- A dedicated room will be prepared in advance, with all equipment ready to avoid delays.
- Lighting and the environment can be adjusted to suit your child’s needs.
- The Play Specialist will support your child using play and the planned Social Story steps.
- If prescribed, the doctor will provide Nitrous Oxide (Entonox).
If Using Entonox
- Your child will be asked for consent and a checklist will be completed.
- A face mask will be offered, and your child will be guided to breathe normally.
- Entonox usually takes:
- 4–5 minutes to begin working
- Up to 10 minutes to reach full effect
- 4–5 minutes to begin working
- Your child may feel more relaxed and focused on their breathing.
Blood Test
- When your child is ready, the blood test will proceed.
- You may remain with your child throughout the entire appointment.
Important Reminder
“Please remember to bring your blood forms with you to the clinic."
After the Appointment
- Once the blood test is complete and your child is feeling well, you may leave.
- A sensory room is available if needed.
- Blood test results will be sent to the clinician who requested them.
- Some tests may take several weeks to process.