Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

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Which method of blood collection is preferred for infants?

  1. Skin puncture

  2. Arterial puncture

  3. Accusing indwelling lines

  4. Vein puncture

The correct answer is: Skin puncture

Skin puncture is the preferred method of blood collection for infants due to several important factors. In very young patients, especially neonates and infants, their veins are often small and difficult to access. Attempting a venipuncture can increase the risk of complications such as hematoma formation or injury to the vein. Skin puncture, also known as capillary blood collection, allows for a less invasive approach that minimizes discomfort and stress for the infant. It involves puncturing the skin with a lancet to obtain a small blood sample from the capillaries. This method is also practical because it requires minimal equipment and can often be performed without the need for specialized training. Additionally, skin puncture is advantageous in that it allows for quick collection of blood and is effective for common tests that do not require large volumes of blood. Overall, considering the anatomical and physiological characteristics of infants, as well as the practicalities involved in blood collection, skin puncture is the most suitable method.