Oh boy, went to the doc with 1 year old son. Couldn't draw blood

[volcs0]

The one-year visit is usually a blood count (to look for anemia) and a lead level - both of which can be checked with a finger stick. See if this is an option for your son.

Also, you could ask for EMLA cream for the blood draw. You apply it to both forearms about an hour prior, and then the needle stick is much less painful.

[vision63]

I'm still processing your comment spearmint. Were you in trouble?

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[quote New.Dad]As it happens, it's his birthday today. His very first birthday! The nurse couldn't find the blood vessel, after she tried for like 3 minutes
I know you mean well, but if, as, and when your child is sick, take him to the doctor. Otherwise, stay away.

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[quote volcs0]The one-year visit is usually a blood count (to look for anemia) and a lead level
Is there a reason to suspect anemia or lead poisoning, doc, or do you people just perform those tests for fun and profit?

[New.Dad]

They wanted to check the lead level (he had 5 at 9 months, normal range is 1-3 but nothing serious below 10). The first test was from the finger, so they said to get a more accurate test they need more blood. Also they should check whether he's allergic to 15 different foods: peanuts, strawberries, lactose, etc.

[volcs0]

[quote Article Accelerator][quote volcs0]The one-year visit is usually a blood count (to look for anemia) and a lead level
Is there a reason to suspect anemia or lead poisoning, doc, or do you people just perform those tests for fun and profit?
I'm assuming you're joking, but I'll answer the question anyway.

Anemia in infants and toddlers is extremely common, usually caused by excess milk ingestion (to the exclusion of iron containing foods). The fix is simple (diet change and iron supplementation). If left unchecked, the anemia can be quite insidious. I've seen kids with hematocrits below 10%, which is life threatening. Usually this takes months and months of improper diet. If caught early, this can be avoided. In addition, there are many types of blood disorders (thalassemias, sickle cell) that can be caught by finding a mild anemia on blood count. Many states have these as part of their routine newborn screening programs, but the tests are not perfect and not all states are participating. Finally, a mild degree of anemia can be the first hint of lead poisioning.

Although much less common now than it used to be, lead poisoning is still a major cause of preventable mental retardation in the US and the rest of the world. Lead is still found in the paints used in many older homes. Even homes with new construction are not immune, and lead is still found occasionally in the soil and brought in on shoes. Routine screening of lead levels in infants and toddlers is now standard practice in the US. Even mildly elevated lead levels are now treated in many centers through the adminstration of chelating agents. The effects of lead poisioning are irreversible and can be devastating. Lead levels should be checked at one year and then usually at the 18 months and/or 2 year visit.

Here are some international guidelines for screening for iron deficiency anemia:

http://www.gfmer.ch/Guidelines/Anemia_an...anemia.htm

And here is some information on lead toxicity:

http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic293.htm

Hope this helps.

-sam