The Heelstick Procedure

nSelect the heel puncture site. 

nWarm the site for three to ten minutes, if necessary.

nOrganize your equipment.

nClean the with 70% alcohol and allow to air dry.

nPerform heel puncture. Firmly hold the heel, place the

   lancet perpendicular to the heel, and quickly perform

   puncture.It is never recommended to use a lancet that

   will puncture the heel at a depth of greater than

   2.4mm.

nCollect specimens

nApply pressure to the site.

nDiscard the lancet into

   a biohazard sharps container.

nLabel the tubes.

nCheck the site and the patient again before allowing the patient to leave.