What type of blood collection is commonly used for newborns?

The correct answer is heelstick, which is a common method for collecting blood from newborns. This technique is particularly suitable for infants because it minimizes discomfort and risks associated with other methods. The heelstick involves making a small puncture in the soft tissue of the heel to obtain a blood sample, which is often sufficient for various tests, such as newborn screenings.

Heelkstick is preferred for newborns for several reasons. Firstly, it provides easy access to capillary blood, which is sufficient for many necessary laboratory tests. Newborns generally have smaller veins and more delicate skin, making more invasive procedures like venipuncture (drawing blood from a vein) less appropriate and more challenging. Additionally, heelsticks can be performed quickly and do not require as much training as arterial puncture, which is typically reserved for specific diagnostics and is more invasive.

By understanding the characteristics and particular needs of newborn patients, healthcare professionals aim to ensure that blood collection procedures are safe and effective, with heelstick being the most suitable option in this scenario.