heelstick

A heelstick is a medical procedure used primarily to collect blood samples from infants, especially newborns. During this process, a healthcare professional makes a small puncture in the soft heel of the baby's foot using a sterile lancet. The blood is then collected for various tests, such as screening for genetic disorders or assessing bilirubin levels. It’s a quick and relatively painless method, as infants have fewer nerve endings in their heels. Heelsticks are essential for early detection of potential health issues in newborns, ensuring they receive prompt care if needed.