Getting Blood Drawn Social Story

Graphic of a man and a woman driving in a car.

First, I will travel to the lab.

Graphic of a woman who works as a receptionist at a clinic. She is smiling.

When I arrive, I will need to check in at the desk.

Graphic of a nurse calling

After checking in, I will sit in the waiting room. I will wait until my name is called.

Graphic of a phlebotomist walking a woman back to where she will draw her blood.

When my name is called, a person will take me to a special room. They are called a phlebotomist.

Graphic of a phlebotomist talking to a patient, she is confirming the lab orders and explaining what will come next.

The nurse will explain to me what will happen.

Graphic of an arm with its sleeve rolled up.

I will sit in a chair and roll up my sleeve.

Graphic of an arm with a rubber band on the upper arm.

A stretchy band will be placed on my arm to help find a vein. This may be tight but should not hurt.

Graphic of an arm with a nurse cleaning the inside of the elbow.

The nurse will then clean my arm with a cool, wet wipe.

Graphic of a blood draw needle, two hands holding and a Teddy Bear

They will then use a small needle to take some blood. I can hold onto my favorite thing or another person’s hand if I want.

Graphic of a nurse placing a needle in the patient's arm.

I may feel a quick pinch or sting, but it will be very fast.

Graphic of an boy breathing a deep breath, he is trying to stay relaxed.

I can stay still and take deep breaths if I feel nervous.

Graphic of a band aid that has a heart on it.

When they are done, they will give me a band-aid, and I will be all done.

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This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.