Phlebotomy Exam Prep 20, Heel Stick — Newborn and Infant

This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The only acceptable puncture sites for an infant heel stick are the medial and lateral plantar surfaces of the heel. - Puncturing the center of an infant's heel carries a high risk of injuring the calcaneus bone, potentially causing osteomyelitis. - Warming the heel for 3-5 minutes prior to puncture is a crucial step to increase blood flow and ensure a viable sample. - The first drop of blood must be wiped away because it is contaminated with tissue fluid that can invalidate test results. - Excessive squeezing or 'milking' of the foot can cause hemolysis and specimen contamination, a common reason for sample rejection. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep