Basic procedure of venepuncture in paediatric and adult patients: a review.

ABSTRACT

Venepuncture is the preferred method of blood sampling for term neonates and causes less pain than heel-pricks. The choice of site and procedure (venous site, finger-prick or heel-prick – also referred to as “capillary sampling” or “skin puncture”) depends on the volume of blood needed for the procedure and the type of laboratory test to be done. Venepuncture is the method of choice for blood sampling in term neonates; however, it requires an experienced and trained phlebotomist. If a trained phlebotomist is not available, the physician may need to draw the blood sample. The blood from a capillares is similar to an arterial blood in oxygen content, and is suitable for only a limited number of tests because of its higher likelihood of contamination with skin flora and smaller total volume.