Final answer:
A neonatal heel stick is done on newborn infants to collect a blood sample for screenings, and it involves puncturing the heel with a lancet or needle and collecting a few drops of blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
A neonatal heel stick is done on newborn infants to collect a blood sample for various screenings, including newborn screening and blood glucose testing.
The procedure involves using a small lancet or sharp needle to puncture the heel of the infant, typically on the outer edge. The heel contains a rich supply of capillaries, making it a convenient site for blood collection.
After the heel stick, a few drops of blood are collected on filter paper or a collection tube, which are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.