American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

A heel puncture should not be performed on an infant older than what age?

1. 6 months

2. 9 months

3. 12 months

4. 18 months

The correct answer is: 12 months

A heel puncture, which is a common method for obtaining blood samples from infants, should be performed with caution as the infant grows. Generally, the practice guidelines recommend that heel punctures should not be performed on infants older than 12 months. This recommendation is rooted in the anatomical and physiological changes that occur as infants develop. As infants age, their heels become thicker and there is a risk of damaging deeper structures, such as nerves and bones, when performing heel punctures. Additionally, the volume of blood required for testing typically increases as the infant grows, making venipuncture on the arm a safer and more effective option for blood collection. In clinical practice, it is crucial to consider both the age and developmental stage of the infant when determining the appropriate site for blood collection, ensuring both safety and accuracy of the tests performed.