Intermediate
Technical
IVT
heel stick
Standard blood collection procedure for neonatal screening where a small puncture is made in the infant's heel to obtain capillary blood samples.
Full Definition
The heel stick is the primary method for obtaining blood specimens from newborns for screening purposes. The procedure involves warming the heel, cleaning the area, and making a small puncture with a sterile lancet to collect capillary blood drops directly onto filter paper. Proper technique ensures adequate blood flow while minimizing infant discomfort. The lateral or medial plantar surface of the heel is the preferred site to avoid injury to underlying structures.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate when used as a compound modifier (e.g., 'heel-stick procedure').
In Context
- "The nurse performed a heel stick on the 24-hour-old infant to collect the mandatory screening specimen." — Clinical procedure documentation
- "Proper heel stick technique requires warming the heel for 3-5 minutes before puncture to ensure adequate blood flow." — Training manual
Also known as
heel prick
capillary blood draw
newborn blood sampling
Contrasted with
venipuncture
arterial sampling
Don't confuse with
finger stick
venous collection