Heel Stick
For infants under a year, when only a small amount of blood is needed, the lab assistant can perform a heel stick. The heel is warmed with a special gel pouch and then pricked with a special heel stick device. The heel is squeezed gently and blood is collected into small special tubes to be sent to the laboratory for testing.
Finger Stick
For children at least a year old, when only a small amount of blood is needed, the lab assistant can perform a finger stick. The finger is warmed with a special gel pouch and then pricked with a special finger stick device. The finger is squeezed gently and blood is collected into small tubes to be sent to the laboratory for testing.
Venipuncture
When more blood is required for testing than can be obtained from a finger stick or heel stick, a venipuncture may be required. A small specialized needle called a butterfly needle is used to withdraw blood from a vein. The veins most commonly used for venipuncture are in the bend of the arm near the elbow or in the hand. Blood is collected into a syringe or drawn directly into a special tube. Your child's blood is then sent to the laboratory to be tested.