NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Collection RoutineMedium
A phlebotomy technician is preparing to collect a blood specimen from an infant using a heel stick. To prevent osteochondritis, the technician should ensure the puncture depth does not exceed which of the following?
- A2.5 mm
- B2.0 mm
- C1.0 mm
- D1.5 mm
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 2.0 mm
To prevent injury to bone (osteochondritis) in infants during heel sticks, the puncture depth should not exceed 2.0 mm. This depth is sufficient for capillary blood collection while minimizing the risk of bone damage.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 2.5 mm or greater is too deep and significantly increases the risk of bone injury in infants.
- C. 1.0 mm may not be deep enough to consistently obtain an adequate specimen.
- D. 1.5 mm is often the recommended depth for premature infants, but 2.0 mm is the maximum for full-term infants.
Infant Heel Puncture Depth
For infant heel sticks, the puncture depth must not exceed 2.0 mm to prevent osteochondritis, an inflammation of the bone and cartilage.
- Maximum 2.0 mm for full-term infants
- Maximum 1.5 mm for premature infants
- Prevents bone damage (osteochondritis)
- Use automated lancets for consistent depth
Memory trick: Infant heel stick: 'Two' millimeters is the 'Max' to keep bones 'Intact'.