Final answer:
For infants less than one year old, a dermal puncture should be performed on the lateral or medial sides of the heel's plantar surface, using sterile techniques and a lancet with limited depth to ensure a safe and effective blood sample collection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended site for a dermal puncture in an infant less than one year old is the heel. This area provides a safe location to obtain a small blood sample while minimizing the risk of damaging bones or causing excessive pain. It is especially important to use the lateral or medial sides of the heel's plantar surface to avoid injury to the calcaneus bone. When performing a dermal puncture on infants, healthcare providers are trained to follow specific guidelines. They must use a sterile lancet with a limited puncture depth to prevent injury and only puncture areas of the heel that are well-perfused with blood, ensuring a sufficient sample volume while avoiding painful and sensitive areas.
It is essential to warm the site before puncture to increase blood flow, making the sample collection smoother and quicker. After selecting the appropriate site, the practitioner cleanses the area with an antiseptic wipe and allows it to dry. Following the puncture, the first drop of blood is wiped away to remove tissue fluid contamination, and subsequent drops are collected for testing. The foot is then elevated, and light pressure is applied near the puncture site to stop bleeding. Adhering to these methods provides a more comfortable and successful blood collection experience for the infant.