Where are heelsticks recommended to be performed on an infant?

Heelsticks for infants are specifically recommended to be performed on the medial and lateral portions of the plantar surface of the foot due to several important considerations. This area is rich in capillary blood vessels, making it ideal for obtaining blood samples without causing excessive pain or trauma to the infant. Performing heelsticks here minimizes the risk of hitting bones or damaging deeper tissues, which can occur if the procedure is done in more fragile areas of the body.

The plantar surface allows for a shallow puncture that is less likely to cause significant pain or distress. It also ensures that blood can be easily collected without the complications that might arise from other sites, such as the wrist or upper arm, which can be harder to access in infants and carry a higher risk of complications. These factors make heelsticks on the medial and lateral portions of the plantar surface the safest and most effective choice for blood sampling in infants.