Really disappointed in our experience today. My daughter had routine lab work ordered from her pediatrician that they couldn't do in office. The tests were ordered as a hemoglobin and a lead, capillary test. Making the appointment was easy but our experience left little to be desired. First, minimal interaction with the phlebotomist, which is fine doesn't really matter but I overheard the phlebotomist call our pedi (given the questions she was asking it was easy to infer that's who she called) and asked to change the lead test from capillary to venipuncture. Which is not necessary given both exams are capable and routinely done via capillary pokes (finger poke for older children and adults and heel sticks for younger infants). I stated we will not be doing a venipuncture. I was not provided with reasoning why it was "required" to be venipuncture when 1. The order specifically stated capillary. And 2. A hemoglobin test which did not specify the route of obtaining blood is also routinely a capillary test unless being tested in a CBC panel - which was not ordered. I was told that "since my daughter was one it couldn't be a heel stick" I asked what age had to do with the tests as my healthcare experience working at a pediatric blood and cancer center and in a level 1 emergency center we would do capillary sticks as a least invasive options prior to jumping to a venipuncture. In our blood and cancer center when checking hemoglobin specifically we also did finger pokes (older kids) or heel sticks (younger kids) so it's not like turning 1 was a magical event that changes the necessary route therefore requiring a more invasive procedure. I was then told that age had nothing to do with it but offered no other explanation and was again told "since she's 1 it is just how it's done" (this was the only reasoning I was given about 3-4 times throughout my time in the building today). Well I'm sorry, I don't care if that's how you do it for other patients, I am my daughters advocate, why would I consent to a more invasive option FOR A ONE YEAR OLD if less invasive options are available and even suggested by the CDC (since the test they questioned the pedi on changing the order to venous -that was ordered as a capillary I provided that general procedures are capillary then if indicated venous). Hemoglobin is a routine capillary procedure (you can see where some guidance is not recommended when babies are walking- you could have assessed my daughter and learned she is not yet walking and turned one a week ago, finger sticks are not recommended for newborns/neonates which my daughter is neither so you had two options you chose to complete neither). Regardless, the main issue is the lack of communication, no one explained WHY other than her age. I heard you speaking in the hallways mentioned "what if it coagulates" that's a risk with any sample and yeah likely higher with a capillary stick but it's also done this way in many other states and medical offices in Austin alone so that shouldn't be your excuse. You asked another employee if they could do a capillary stick which they said yes to the said "mmm no actually we can't because she's 1". Needless to say you may offer pediatric services but as a parent with 8 years experience in pediatrics you are not remotely pediatric friendly. I'm sorry for other parents who may blindly believe you and therefore subject their children to more invasive options (based on this I'd also assume you hold kids down) when less invasive options and more child friendly options and alternatives are available. read more