Final answer:
A heel stick blood sample is collected using a sterile lancet and may be placed into a small-diameter glass tube or test card. Phlebotomists and medical lab technologists are trained to perform this procedure and analyze the blood for various medical conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
To collect a blood sample from a heel stick, a phlebotomist or other trained medical professional will clean the heel with an antiseptic wipe and then make a small puncture using a sterile, sharp instrument called a lancet. The heel stick method is commonly used in neonates or infants to obtain a small quantity of blood, as their veins are not easily accessible. Once the skin is punctured, gentle pressure is applied to help produce a drop of blood. This blood can be collected into a small diameter glass tube (often by capillary action), onto a test card, or into a micro-centrifuge tube containing lithium heparin if plasma separation is required. Afterward, the site is typically covered with a small bandage to prevent infection and promote healing.
In the context of medical laboratory tests, such as for a patient with hemolytic anemia, the blood may be analyzed for various properties, including the presence of antibodies attached to red blood cells. Various tests can be performed with this blood sample, ranging from a complete blood count (CBC) to more specific diagnostic tests that use test reagents and specialized equipment. Additionally, the collected plasma can undergo further preparation, like Spe (Solid Phase Extraction) followed by analysis after reconstitution in a solvent like methanol for specific assays.
Phlebotomists and medical lab technologists are skilled professionals in this field, often certified and trained to perform these types of blood collections and analyses. They play a critical role in the healthcare system by providing data necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.