When is it appropriate to perform a heel stick for blood collection?

Performing a heel stick for blood collection is specifically appropriate for newborns and small infants due to the anatomical and physiological differences in this age group. In neonates and very young children, veins are often too small and fragile for standard venipuncture techniques, making heel sticks a preferred method for drawing blood. This procedure involves puncturing the heel of the foot, which is a safe and effective way to obtain blood samples without posing significant risk to the delicate structures of their veins.

In contrast, heel sticks are not performed on adults, as adults have readily accessible veins suitable for venipuncture. While it is true that heel sticks might be considered when veins are not accessible, in practice, this method is uniquely suited for pediatrics rather than as a fallback option for older patients. Routine glucose testing can be performed on a variety of specimens, but the choice of heel stick is specifically tailored to infants, thereby reinforcing the appropriateness of this method for that particular demographic.