St. Luke’s University Health Network continues to fulfill its promise of bringing quality pediatric care close to home, opening six pediatric specialty labs.

The pediatric specialty labs, which opened inside existing draw sites at the beginning of February, have been designed to make children and their parents feel more comfortable and less stressed when needing blood work. Not only is the draw space more comforting, but also the phlebotomists have been specially trained in creating a calming experience for young patients and preparing parents to support their child’s lab needs.

Elizabeth Taylor, Network Director of Outpatient Lab Services, says: “Our pediatric specialty lab locations have been designed to give our younger patients something distracting to look at during their lab work and have some fun after. Our phlebotomists at these sites also have new resources to use to help make this a ‘wow,’ not ‘ow’ experience including distraction tools, Buzzy or Lady Buzzy gadgets that have ‘special’ powers, and reward items. All of this is intended to help make our younger patients and their families feel even more comfortable with getting their lab work done.”

Local labs are located at St. Luke’s Monroe Campus - 100 St. Luke’s Lane, Stroudsburg, and St. Luke’s Health Center-Palmerton - 614 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton.

Clinics are also located in Allentown, Bethlehem, Center Valley and Easton.

Appointments can be made online but walk-ins are welcome.

SLUHN’s obstetrics & gynecology and pediatric practices will distribute information to parents about how to prepare their child for the blood work and what to expect during their visit to the lab. “This can help the child and parent have peace of mind about their tests or lab process,” Taylor said.

The opening of St. Luke’s Pediatric Specialty Labs comes on the heels of opening the newly renovated Pediatric Inpatient Unit and St. Luke’s Pediatric Specialty Center, the region’s first and only free-standing facility dedicated entirely to caring for kids. The Network is also a member of the Children’s Hospital Association, a national organization of hospitals and health systems committed to pediatric health care.