Final answer:
The collection order for capillary blood tests in a 6-month-old infant follows clinical protocols, prioritizing tests like blood cultures and complete blood counts to maintain sample integrity and accuracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The order in which capillary blood tests should be collected from an infant is determined by the standard protocol of clinical laboratory procedures. The guidelines prioritize tests that are most sensitive to changes in the blood’s composition or collection process. In general practice, if blood cultures for infection are needed, they are often collected first to reduce the risk of contamination from other collection tubes. Following that, samples are typically drawn for tests like complete blood counts (CBC) or blood gases, as these can change with prolonged contact with air or after significant clotting.
The specific order can vary based on the lab or hospital protocols and the tests ordered. During the blood collection process, care must be taken to minimize discomfort and ensure the accuracy of the test results for the 6-month-old infant. Capillary collection is often performed via a heel stick in infants, and comfort measures should be applied.