American Medical Technologist (AMT) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Resource to Guarantee Exam Success!

The best site for collecting capillary puncture specimens on infants is the medial plantar surface of the heel. This area is preferred because it offers a good balance between accessibility and the minimization of potential complications. The medial plantar surface is located centrally on the bottom of the heel, which allows for easy access without risking injury to deeper structures or major blood vessels.

This site is also relatively fat and has a thick layer of skin, making it ideal for capillary puncture, as it minimizes pain and discomfort for the infant. Additionally, using the medial area reduces the risk of affecting the surrounding tissues, leading to a clean and effective specimen collection.

Other areas like the heel's posterior curvature can potentially lead to complications such as hitting deeper tissues or nerves. The lateral plantar surface, while also an option, has a higher risk for complications compared to the medial plantar surface. Collecting blood from the big toe is not recommended due to potential complications related to the underlying structures and the fact that it is not as rich in capillary networks as the heel area. Thus, the medial plantar surface stands out as the safest and most efficient site for capillary blood collection in infants.