What is the maximum puncture depth during a infant heel stick?

Answer 1

The recommended site for heel punctures is the lateral (outside) or medial (inside) plantar surface of the heel. In small or premature infants, the heel bone (calcaneus) may be no more than 2.0 mm beneath the skin surface and no more than half this distance at the posterior curvature of the heel. Puncturing deeper than 2.0 mm on the plantar surface of the heel of small infants may, therefore, risk bone damage. When using incision devices, puncturing the heel at a 90' angle to the length of the foot is recommended.5 Such incisions create a 'gap' puncture (one which opens when pressure is applied) and further enhance blood flow.

For infants, punctures must not be performed on:

The posterior curvature of the heel.

The central area of an infant's foot (area of the arch).

Punctures to this area may result in injury to nerves, tendons, and cartilage.

The fingers of a newborn or infant less than one year old.

Earlobes.

Answer 2

2.4mm