' d='M342.5 239.44C210.75 239.44 103.56 132.25 103.56.5V0H0v.5c0 188.85 153.64 342.48 342.5 342.48z'/></svg>)
Neonatal sampling essentials
Heel sample collection procedure
- After puncturing the skin, use a clean gauze pad to wipe away the first drop of blood to prevent the specimen from becoming diluted by interstitial fluid1,2 (this may depend on the test)
- Hold the foot with your thumb along its length, being careful not to bend the foot back toward the shin, as this could cause injury
- Gently massage along the length of the foot toward the heel, using a gentle squeeze-and-release movement to help form large drops of blood and maintain a steady blood flow2
- If you are using blood collection paper, let a large drop form. Carefully fill each circle from the front side of the card with only one drop of blood. Do not let the heel touch the collection paper while applying blood to the circle
- If you are using a capillary tube, hold one end horizontally and touch it to the blood drops at the puncture site. Fill the tube while trying to minimize air bubbles and air entry into the tube. Gently massage the heel to maintain blood flow. When enough blood has been collected, cap both ends of the tube so you can mix the sample and minimize air contamination
- Alternatively, you may need to collect the sample in a specially designed blood collection tube. Let blood drops fall and flow into the tube by capillary action. Do not use scraping or scooping movements here
EXPERT TIP:Avoid squeezing the heel too hard or using scraping or scooping movements while collecting blood, as this can hemolyze the sample and cause inaccurate results or rejection of the sample1.2.
This material was created with input from key opinion leaders and follows global guidelines, but users should apply their own professional judgment when using any of the techniques or methods described, and must take into account all applicable national, regional, and institutional guidelines and rules
References
1. WHO guidelines on drawing blood: best practices in phlebotomy. World Health Organisation; 2010.
2. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) document GP42-A6 (former H04-A6): Procedures and Devices for the Collection of Diagnostic Capillary Blood Specimens; Approved Standard – Sixth Edition. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; Wayne, Pennsylvania, USA: 2008.