osteomylist
A dermal puncture is preferred over a venipuncture in young children, especially infants, when obtaining small blood samples is necessary, such as for blood glucose monitoring or when only a few drops of blood are required. It minimizes discomfort and reduces the risk of complications associated with larger needles and venous access. Additionally, dermal punctures are often more convenient and can be performed quickly at the point of care.
For dermal puncture, the depth is typically 2.4 millimeters (mm) or less, which is around 2-3 mm in adults and 0.85-1.0 mm in infants. It is important to control the depth to avoid going too deep and causing pain or complications.
Other than potential bruising at the puncture site, and/or dizziness, there are no complications associated with this test
The complications associated with drawing blood are minimal, but may include bleeding from the puncture site, feeling faint or lightheaded after the blood is drawn, or blood accumulating under the puncture site (hematoma).
Dermal puncture refers to a technique used to obtain capillary blood samples by pricking the skin using a lancet or needle. It is commonly done on the finger, heel, or other suitable site for blood collection in medical settings such as hospitals, clinics, or laboratories.
Increases blood flow to the site
capillary blood collection
One example of a test taken from a dermal puncture is a blood glucose test. Dermal punctures are preferred for this test as they are less invasive, cause minimal discomfort, and can be easily performed on individuals with difficult-to-access veins such as infants or elderly patients.
Povidone-iodine may elevate test results for bilirubin, uric acid, phosphorus, and potassium, and therefore is not recommended for use with dermal puncture
Risks for this test are minimal, but may include slight bleeding from the blood-drawing site, fainting or feeling lightheaded after venipuncture, or hematoma (blood accumulating under the puncture site).
Dermal papillae
If you are trying to compare numbers from one draw to the next, it would be best to use the same procedure each time. Dermal puncture and venipuncture can give different answers depending on technique.