A study of experimental lancets for blood collection to avoid bone infection of infants

We describe a study made at two pediatric centers to test experimental lancets for blood collection by skin puncture of infants' heels or fingers. Our primary goal is to decrease the hazard of osseous injury while collecting adequate blood, by using three lancet widths at a constant length of 1.0 mm. The three widths used were 1.0, 1.25, and 1.5 mm. When success at skin puncture was defined rigidly on the basis of the blood volume obtained, the data show that success was related neither to the lancets' dimensions as tested nor to the age of the child, but rather to the phlebotomist's skill and experience, which improved with time.