American Medical Technologist (AMT) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Guarantee Exam Success!

The proper technique for performing a heel puncture on an infant involves placing the lancet flat against the medial or lateral planar surface of the heel. This is significant because it minimizes the risk of injury, including damage to bones and nerves, which can occur if the lancet is inserted at too steep of an angle. The medial and lateral sides of the foot are safer sites because they are more vascular and have fewer critical structures than the center of the heel.

Using a flat approach helps to ensure that the puncture is shallow enough to obtain the required blood without causing excessive trauma. Additionally, this technique allows for adequate blood flow, which is essential for accurate blood sampling, as it helps avoid hemolysis that could interfere with test results.

While heel punctures should be performed with care and precision, using the appropriate angle and site enhances both the comfort of the infant and the reliability of the sample obtained. The other techniques mentioned can lead to complications or ineffective sampling, underscoring the importance of this recommended practice.