We've had blood tests twice. I recommend going to a place that is familiar with doing children. The first time we had a bad experience. I don't recommend Angel cream (some type of topical pain relief). For us it caused raised swelling and made finding the vein more difficult and DS felt every bit of the needle still. The second time no tears and no Angel cream. We had a dummy on hand (his comfort item).

I'm not sure if you are aware but in Victoria anyway you can pretty much go to any pathology despite what is written on the slip.