[An alternative method for the collection of blood cultures in newborn infants]

Diagnostic proof of septicemia depends on the results of blood cultures. In the neonatal period it is, however, difficult to obtain venous blood. Capillary sampling of a small volume of blood from a heel-prick, performed with a suitable instrument, can be a reliable alternative. This is concluded from a series of 67 paired blood cultures, after comparison with data obtained from the literature.