What technique should be followed when performing a capillary collection on an infant?

When performing a capillary collection on an infant, positioning the lancet firmly against the skin is essential because it ensures that the lancet penetrates the skin adequately to obtain a sufficient blood sample. This method helps achieve a controlled and consistent puncture, which is particularly important in pediatric patients as their tissues are more delicate. A firm positioning reduces the risk of the lancet slipping during the puncture, which can lead to inconsistent samples or additional discomfort for the infant.

Holding the lancet perpendicular to the skin is also an important practice in capillary collection, as it ensures a deep enough puncture while minimizing tissue damage. Collecting blood only from the heel is a specific approach that might apply in many situations, but it is not the sole requirement for infant capillary collections. Finally, ensuring the area is dry before collection is not as crucial as the correct positioning of the lancet, although cleanliness is important. Therefore, focusing on the firm application of the lancet is key to successful capillary blood collection from infants.