Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin: “Heel Pricking is a Safe and Effective Method in Newborns!”

Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin, speaking about the challenges of obtaining blood samples from newborns, especially premature babies, stated: “Heel pricking is a minimally invasive and easily accessible method to obtain capillary blood samples for various laboratory tests, such as newborn screening and glucose level measurements.”

Prof. Tekkeşin, noting that the heel pricking method is typically used until the baby is 12 months old, said: “Heel blood samples are most easily obtained when the baby is in a supine position.”

Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin from the Department of Medical Biochemistry (English) at Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine provided important information about the “heel pricking” technique, one of the most frequently used methods for obtaining blood samples from newborns and premature babies.

Obtaining blood samples from newborns is challenging

Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin stated that obtaining blood samples from newborns, especially premature babies, can be a challenging and sometimes limiting procedure due to the size of the veins and the volume of blood, which can pose difficulties even for the most skilled healthcare professionals. “Capillary blood sampling is the most commonly used method for obtaining blood samples from babies. In some cases, the heel pricking technique is used for capillary blood sampling,” she explained.

Heel Pricking: An easily accessible method for tests

Prof. Tekkeşin highlighted that this technique is useful for obtaining small or repeatedly needed small-volume blood samples. She said: “Heel pricking is a minimally invasive and easily accessible method for obtaining capillary blood samples for various laboratory tests, such as newborn screening and glucose level measurements. However, with the development of advanced laboratory techniques requiring smaller sample volumes and advanced automatic heel pricking devices that minimize trauma and pain, heel pricking has become a feasible method for obtaining blood for many routine tests.”

Venous blood collection is not suitable for all babies

Although there is some evidence suggesting that venous blood collection may result in less pain compared to heel pricking in newborns, Prof. Tekkeşin explained that it might not be suitable for premature babies or those requiring multiple and frequent blood samples. She added: “The development of newer, more effective, and less painful pricking devices may increase the relative benefits of heel pricking.”

Heel pricking is typically used until the baby is 12 months old

Prof. Tekkeşin emphasized that heel pricking is ideal for premature babies, newborns, and infants, stating: “Heel pricking is typically used until the baby is 12 months old. Heel blood sampling is always functional when capillary blood is an acceptable source. Such situations include when the required sample is relatively small, there is no other acceptable blood source (such as a central venous catheter, umbilical cord catheter, or arterial line), and the sample obtained from the heel can be used for general biochemistry and liver function tests, complete blood count, newborn screening, bedside glucose monitoring, and blood gas analysis.”

Local anesthesia can affect the quality of the blood sample

Prof. Tekkeşin also noted that standard local or systemic pharmacological anesthesia is not required for the heel pricking technique. She continued: “On the contrary, local anesthetics may affect the quality of the blood sample. However, to comfort the baby, oral sucrose, adjusting ambient light, reducing noise, and swaddling may be recommended. A heel pricking device appropriate for the baby's weight should be selected, so that the incision size is controlled, minimizing trauma. Heel blood samples are most easily obtained when the baby is in a supine position. Choosing the appropriate site is important to minimize pain and avoid contact with the calcaneus bone.”

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)