Why is capillary puncture preferred for obtaining blood from infants and very young children?

Capillary puncture is preferred for obtaining blood from infants and very young children primarily because it requires less restraint compared to venipuncture. Infants and young children can be particularly sensitive and may become distressed during medical procedures. Capillary puncture is a less invasive method that typically involves a simple prick on the heel or finger, which can be much less intimidating and cause less trauma than inserting a needle into a vein.

This method of blood collection allows for a quick procedure that minimizes discomfort and can often be completed swiftly, which helps to reduce anxiety for both the child and the caregiver. Additionally, the smaller volume of blood needed for many tests can be easily obtained through capillary puncture, making it a practical choice for this age group where venipuncture can be more complex and riskier due to smaller veins.

While capillary puncture is advantageous for these reasons, it does not provide larger volumes of blood and doesn't entail higher risks for vein and tissue damage compared to venipuncture, nor does it yield more blood than venipuncture.