Copying and pasting what I sent to LabCorp when they asked for my feedback regarding my visit:
The women who helped me were obviously overworked. From the moment my daughter and I arrived, they were complaining amongst themselves about their patient load that they had. First I want to say to them - I am sorry that your work conditions are so tough! I hope they get better. I do not blame them for what happened - I blame the fact that they obviously are not being given the support and team they need to be successful. Please do better Labcorp! To whatever manager sees this: please be sure to tell them I said that, and I apologize for my reaction, do not just tell them of my complaint. My 15 month old baby was very upset about being there. I was trying to console her and get her in the right position. Tech A said loudly "OK BABY"... as if that would be helpful to a crying baby who is clinging to her mother. I finally got her into position, and they were holding her arm trying to find a vein. Not one time, not one, did either of them say "it's ok baby", or do anything to distract or console her (a stark contrast to when I came two years ago with my oldest and one of the techs sang to my then 15 month old son to help comfort him. Much better experience then.). They were feeling around for a vein and having trouble finding one. One tech (I apologize if that's not the right term... not sure what is) was poking in one spot, the other poking in a different spot. Tech B said something to the tune of "I think it's here. Do you want to give it a go?" I don't remember the exact words, but it was obvious that they didn't know exactly and were just going to take a shot. I told them not to try if they weren't completely sure, and she tried to back pedal saying that's not what she said, and reworded what she said. They poked around a little more with their fingers (all while my baby is crying and squirming and shaking her head no), and then inserted the needle in the arm. Nothing happens, no blood, so it would seem they missed the vein. They start wiggling the needle a little side to side in her arm, and then ask me, "does she drink fluids?" It was at that moment that I had enough. I said "of course she does!" and demanded that they take it out of her arm. I was insulted that it seemed to me that they were trying to blame my baby (or me) for the fact that they weren't getting blood, when they clearly hadn't found a vein. The reason I think they were trying to use that as a scapegoat was because they didn't ask "has she had anything to drink this morning". It's a different question, with a different connotation. When I demanded that they take it out of her arm, they hesitated so I demanded again. They did, and put the gauze on her arm. In my hurry to leave, I accidentally knocked over the basket with the vials they were going to use (I apologize for that). I told them I was going somewhere else, they handed me my paperwork, and I stormed out. I did slam the door on my way out, and I apologize for that too. To say I was upset would be an understatement. I think this whole scenario was completely unacceptable and completely preventable. Now how am I supposed to get my baby to be comfortable with getting bloodwork done somewhere else?! They should have been more caring, they should have been less rushed, and they should NOT have stuck my very upset baby if there was any doubt in their mind that they were going to get it right. I would have respected them 100% if they said "I'm sorry, we don't see a vein, and since she's so upset, we don't want to make matters worse by trying and failing". Ok, I can work with that. But sticking her anyway, and moving it side to side in her arm?! That was not ok. I understand you guys are probably short staffed, I understand there is a high demand... but please don't forget that you are taking blood from humans, many of whom do not like needles or getting stuck. In my case I had a terrified 15 month old baby who has never had to have blood taken before. A little compassion would have gone a long way. read more