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12 wrz 2016 · Heel stick is a minimally invasive and easily accessible way of obtaining capillary blood samples for various laboratory tests, especially newborn screens and glucose levels.
A step-by-step guide to capillary blood sampling is outlined along with evidence-based practice incorporating neonatal-appropriate disinfection and nonpharmacological analgesia that contribute to improved infant safety and comfort during and after the procedure.
Adequate skin perfusion is necessary to obtain an appropriate capillary blood sample. Heel sticks may be performed on infants up to 18 months of age. Finger sticks are recommended in children over 18 months of age who require a specimen of less than 2.5 mL. Avoid calluses, scars or lesions.
The procedure involves a sequence of steps, from patient preparation to sample collection and handling. Whether it’s a heel stick for a neonate or a finger stick for an adult, the following steps are fundamental to a successful capillary blood sampling procedure: 1. Patient Preparation:
Procedure A : Collection of blood by venipuncture. Step Action 1. Wash hands or use hand sanitizer within sight of patient. If the patient has Clostridium difficile, you must use soap and water. 2. Put on exam gloves. 3. Follow the guidelines on identification of patient, refer to Patient Identification procedure. 4.
The vessel size and volume status of these patients can prove to be a challenge for the most skilled Emergency Physician. 1 Capillary blood sampling is the most frequently used method to obtain blood samples from infants. This chapter reviews the basic principles and techniques of heel stick blood sampling.
Automated self-shielding lancets are preferred in neonates (Table 33–1); sterile manual lancets are not recommended but may be used in some units if automated lancets are not available (sizes: 2 mm for <1500 g and 4 mm for >1500 g). Capillary tube (for rapid hematocrit and bilirubin tests) or larger BD Microtainer™ collection tubes (if more ...
