Phlebotomy-free days in children hospitalized with common infections and their association with clinical outcomes.

We identified 126,135 encounters. Bronchiolitis (0.78) and pneumonia (0.54) had the highest PFD ratios (most PFDs), while osteoarticular infections (0.28) and gastroenteritis (0.30) had the lowest PFD ratios. There were no differences in adjusted clinical outcomes across PFD ratio groups. Among children hospitalized with common infections, PFD ratios varied across conditions and hospitals, with no association with outcomes. Our data suggest overuse of phlebotomy and opportunities to improve the care of hospitalized children.