HEEL BLOOD-SAMPLING IN PRETERM INFANTS - WHICH TECHNIQUE

Preterm infants undergoing heel blood sampling were randomly allocated to specimen collection by heel puncture (Autolet II Clinisafe) or inc ision (Tenderfoot 'preemie'). A total of 187 procedures was observed i n 47 infants. No significant difference was found in the infants' beha vioural response, increase in heart rate, or in the the frequency of s pecimen haemolysis. Collection times for small to medium sized samples were similar, but for large samples (>1 ml) the Tenderfoot method was superior and fewer repeat procedures were necessary. Tenderfoot has t he added advantage of improved safety, but it is too costly for routin e use.