In which scenario is a heel stick used for blood collection?

A heel stick is primarily utilized in newborns for blood collection because it is a minimally invasive procedure that allows for safe and effective sampling from infants who have small blood volumes. The heel stick is specifically suitable for tests such as Phenylketonuria (PKU) screening, which is critical for identifying metabolic disorders at an early age. Newborns have delicate skin and vessels, making traditional venipuncture less feasible; therefore, the heel stick method is preferred as it reduces the risk of complications while providing adequate blood samples for necessary tests.

In contrast, adults generally undergo venipuncture for blood collection, especially for glucose testing, and children typically require more substantial blood volumes for procedures such as transfusions, making heel sticks impractical. Additionally, diabetics often use fingerstick methods for daily glucose monitoring rather than heel sticks, which are not standard practice outside of the newborn context. This highlights the specificity and appropriateness of the heel stick method for newborn screenings.