What is the typical blood draw method used for infants?

The typical blood draw method used for infants is the heel stick. This procedure is preferred because it is less invasive and causes minimal discomfort to the infant compared to other methods. In a heel stick, a small puncture is made in the heel of the foot to obtain a small amount of blood, which is sufficient for many screenings and tests commonly performed on newborns and young infants, such as newborn metabolic screenings.

This method is especially advantageous because the skin on an infant's fingers is not fully developed and can be more sensitive and difficult to puncture safely. Additionally, venipuncture, which involves drawing blood from a vein, is generally more complex and may require a trained professional to perform it without causing stress or injury to the infant. Capillary draws can also be used, but a heel stick is specifically designed for the small size and delicate condition of infants.