Heidal cheese

Heel stick is a medical procedure primarily used for newborn screening, where a small amount of blood is collected from a newborn baby's heel. This procedure is also known as a heel prick or heel puncture.

Procedure

The heel stick procedure is typically performed within 48 hours after birth. The baby's heel is pricked with a small, sterile lancet to collect a few drops of blood. The blood is then placed on a special filter paper and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a heel stick is to screen newborns for certain genetic, metabolic, and hematologic conditions. These include Phenylketonuria, Congenital hypothyroidism, Sickle cell disease, and others. Early detection of these conditions can prevent serious health problems and developmental issues.

Risks and Complications

While the heel stick is generally considered safe, it can cause temporary discomfort and bruising. In rare cases, infection can occur if the puncture site is not properly cleaned and cared for.

Alternatives

In some cases, alternative methods of blood collection may be used, such as venipuncture or capillary puncture. However, the heel stick remains the most common method due to its simplicity and minimal discomfort.

See Also

• Newborn screening
• Phenylketonuria
• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Sickle cell disease