NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Collection RoutineHard
A phlebotomy technician is performing a heel stick on an infant. To prevent osteochondritis, the puncture depth should not exceed which of the following?
- A2.0 mm.
- B1.0 mm.
- C2.5 mm.
- D1.5 mm.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 2.0 mm.
For infant heel sticks, the puncture depth must not exceed 2.0 mm to prevent injury to the calcaneus (heel bone), which can lead to osteochondritis (inflammation of bone and cartilage).
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 1.0 mm is often too shallow to obtain an adequate sample in most infants.
- C. 2.5 mm is too deep and significantly increases the risk of bone damage and infection in infants.
- D. 1.5 mm may be sufficient for some, but 2.0 mm is the maximum safe depth.
Heel Stick Puncture Depth
The maximum safe puncture depth for infant heel sticks is 2.0 mm, crucial for preventing osteochondritis and other bone injuries.
- Max depth: 2.0 mm.
- Prevents calcaneus injury.
- Use appropriate lancet size.
Memory trick: Two millimeters, no deeper, for tiny heel's sake!