Neonatal Capillary Blood Sampling: Techniques, Challenges, and Clinical Significance

Abstract

Neonatal capillary blood sampling is a common and invasive test performed to diagnose and screen newborns. This paper is a detailed discussion of the means, major difficulties, and role of capillary blood sampling in the neonatal population. It refers to recently updated articles to examine the differences between two blood collection methods (i.e. heel lance and venipuncture), employing efficacy and pain response as criteria. As a result of special attention being paid to the accuracy of capillary bilirubin measurements against venous samples, the authors highlight the differences and put forward potential solutions for clinical interpretation. The text also describes the procedures that help prevent pain during sample collection, while maintaining the quality of the sample. These procedures, together with the study results, are presented through visual aids. The purpose is to bring together the existing literature in order to develop a safe, effective, and reliable neonatal capillary blood sampling technique that will lead to better neonatal care outcomes.