What is a key precaution to observe when performing a heel puncture?

When performing a heel puncture, ensuring that the puncture does not exceed a depth of 2 mm is crucial to avoid damaging the underlying nerves and bones. The heel is particularly sensitive, especially in infants, and a deep puncture could lead to complications such as osteomyelitis or nerve damage. This precaution helps ensure that the procedure is safe and minimizes the risk of injury, allowing for effective blood collection without adverse effects.

While various considerations are important when performing heel punctures—such as proper technique and ensuring the right location—the depth regulation is essential for protecting the integrity of the patient's heel. Other possible methods, such as puncturing in specific areas or using needles of different gauges, may also play a role in the procedure but are not as critical to the immediate safety of the puncture as the depth limitation.