What type of blood collection method is used for infants?

Capillary collection via heel stick is the preferred method for drawing blood from infants, particularly newborns and very young children. This technique involves using a small lancet to make a puncture in the heel, which is less invasive and causes less trauma to the infant compared to other methods. The heel is well-suited for capillary blood collection as it contains a rich supply of small blood vessels close to the surface, allowing for an adequate sample to be obtained with minimal discomfort.

Venipuncture, which involves drawing blood from a vein in the arm, is typically not performed on infants unless absolutely necessary due to the higher risk of complications such as hematoma formation and the difficulty in accessing small veins.

Arterial blood sampling is generally reserved for specific situations, such as assessing blood gases, and is not commonly performed on infants due to its invasive nature and the associated risks.

The Vacutainer method, while effective for blood collection in older patients, is not suitable for infants either, as it also involves venipuncture and carries similar risks to those associated with that method.

Overall, the capillary collection via heel stick method is specifically tailored to the needs and safety of infants, making it the optimal choice.