Which site is commonly used for capillary collection in infants, and what is a typical pre-collection step?

Which site is commonly used for capillary collection in infants, and what is a typical pre-collection step?

• A. The fingertip; apply lotion to the skin
• B. The earlobe; clean with alcohol
• C. The index finger; scrub vigorously
• D. The heel (medial or lateral plantar surface); warm the heel to increase blood flow before puncture

Answer: (D)

Capillary collection in infants is typically performed from the heel, specifically the medial or lateral plantar surface, because it’s easily accessible and avoids more delicate areas. Warming the heel before puncture causes vasodilation, increasing capillary blood flow so you can obtain an adequate sample with a clean puncture and without excessive squeezing or tissue contamination. The other sites—fingertip, earlobe, and index finger—are not standard choices for newborn capillary draws due to size, safety, and practicality. Warming the heel is the drawn-out pre-collection step that makes the procedure feasible and reliable in this age group.

Capillary collection in infants is typically performed from the heel, specifically the medial or lateral plantar surface, because it’s easily accessible and avoids more delicate areas. Warming the heel before puncture causes vasodilation, increasing capillary blood flow so you can obtain an adequate sample with a clean puncture and without excessive squeezing or tissue contamination. The other sites—fingertip, earlobe, and index finger—are not standard choices for newborn capillary draws due to size, safety, and practicality. Warming the heel is the drawn-out pre-collection step that makes the procedure feasible and reliable in this age group.