Comfort Promise

Reduces Pain With Every Kind of Poke

Some needle sticks, such as vaccines and blood draws, are a normal part of growing up. Other needle sticks may be unexpected. Comfort Promise is designed to reduce emotional harm related to needle sticks. Many elements of Comfort Promise, such as choices, distraction, memory framing and positioning for comfort, can be helpful for other procedures as well. Comfort Promise is offered to every patient, every time, regardless of age or developmental level. Here are some of the most common types of needle sticks your child may experience. 

  • Finger and heel pricks: This quick procedure uses a lancet (a small needle-tipped device designed to prick a finger or heel) to help us collect and test a blood sample.  
  • Injections and vaccines: An injection is a way for us to administer medicine. Injections can happen in the hospital, at a clinic or at home. Vaccines, also called immunizations or shots, are a type of injection and an important tool to protect your child from serious infections and diseases. To remind your child of what the vaccine process looks like, we have created a story you can read together called Vaccinations. 
  • IV: An IV is a flexible tube that is placed inside a vein in your child’s hand or arm. It can deliver fluids, medications or blood. To help you and your child learn more about IVs, we have created a story you can read together called Getting an IV.  
  • Lab draw: If we need to test your child’s blood, they will have their blood drawn in one of our labs. To help your child know exactly what to expect during a blood draw, we have created a story you can read together called Lab Draw. Sonora Quest labs are unable to administer sucrose or topical numbing medications. If you’re going to a Sonora Quest lab directly from a clinic appointment you can ask to have cream placed on your child before you leave. If you’re coming to the lab from home, you can follow these instructions on how to place the cream on your child prior to their visit. 
  • Other needle sticks: A lumbar puncture (also called a spinal tap) is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into your child’s lower back to collect fluid for testing. Some children need port access. A port is a small device placed under your child’s skin, typically in the upper chest, and is used to deliver medication, chemotherapy or fluids via a needle.