Final answer:
Phlebotomists use a puncture device with a depth of around 1 mm for a dermal puncture on a preemie; proper technique ensures safety and accurate sample collection for medical analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Career Connection: Phlebotomy and Medical Lab Technology
Phlebotomists are healthcare professionals who specialize in drawing blood from patients. They are trained to perform venipuncture, capillary stick, and arterial stick procedures. A capillary stick involves a dermal puncture, often used for infants or when a small amount of blood is needed. The selection of a puncture device with an appropriate puncture depth is critical to minimize discomfort and avoid damaging underlying structures. Dermal puncture depths can vary; however, when performing a dermal puncture on a preemie, a depth of around 1 mm may be suitable, aligning with the provided reference of a volume of 10 mL appropriate to a slap area of 10 cm by 10 cm at a depth of 1 mm. This ensures that blood collection is adequate for testing while maintaining safety and care for the infant's delicate skin.
Additionally, those certified by the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians or similar bodies have verified proficiency in these procedures, ensuring that the most up-to-date practices and standards are followed. Medical technologists in labs also rely on the proper collection of blood samples to provide essential information for diagnoses and treatment monitoring.