Talk:Neonatal heel prick

This is not a test but a technique, one often used to collect blood for a Guthrine test among other tests. However it is not the only method of blood collection for this test, nor is it exclusive to the Guthrine test. It is used in NICU's worldwide as the most common method of blood collection for most blood tests including the frequently used Blood gas test. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.110.241.94 (talk) 20:22, 14 January 2018 (UTC)


 * I am an American Board of Pathology Certified Clinical Pathologist. I absolutely Agree. This need to be unmerged ie the Jan 2013 merger undone, rather than further merging with thousands tests (of which only 4 suggested eg Maple syrup urine etc. which belong to a particular series along with Gutherie, called inborn errors of metabolism, but many many other blood tests could be listed including glucose, hemogobin, bilirubin etc etc etc) that can be done on the sample collected by heel prick). Heel pick is an entirely general technique for blood collection in neonate. Its just similar to finger prick in adult thumb which is somewhat comparable to a neonatal heel. The prick is done on the sides rather than middle to avoid pricking the heel bone (Calcaneum) which not only would be painful but could cause osteomyuelitis. The general precaution of a finger prick collection would apply here too: Guidelines (eg CLSI GP42, NBS1 etc), Comparison and contrast with other sampling sites and techniques, types of cleaning techniques applicable here, nature and composition of Antisepctics, recommended time for rubbing, time for drying, nature of the various pricking instruents including spring loaded ones, length and depths of incisions, sequence of collection if multiple samples, potential interferences due to the cleaning agent, other errors, precautions, how/why this is different and far less traumatic than phlebotomy in a neonate. What are the pros and cons of the alternative techniques. When I get time I will write it up or anybody with knowledge of neonatal sample collections can pitch in. Meanwhile someone please unmerge it.--Dr.saptarshi (talk) 21:01, 31 August 2022 (UTC)

Does the writer mean "heel pricks"? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 213.253.40.119 (talk • contribs) 00:00, 30 July 2002 (UTC)

I think this overlaps with and should be redirected to Guthrie test. --217.136.157.253 (talk) 19:54, 29 August 2008 (UTC)

This does not overlap with Guthrie Test - the Guthrie Test is an archaic term for PKU screening methodology only. Also, the NHS guidelines (http://newbornbloodspot.screening.nhs.uk/education) recommend newborn blood spot screening samples should be taken on Day 5 - 8, ideally day 5. Jennypen (talk) 15:49, 26 April 2010 (UTC)

Jennypen you are not correct. The fact that in the UK you don't use the original term doesn't make it less valid. It is an Eponym. This page should be redirected to the Guthrie test page. In Portugal, France, Spain, Italy, we use the Eponym for the test.(Psyco19 (talk) 15:43, 17 December 2011 (UTC))

Just passing by, but I thought I'd add that this article probably needs to be moved. Something like "newborn screen", although that seems to be an Australian term. Neonatal heal prick is an overly generic term that covers all blood collection from the heel, irrespective of use, for example blood collection for inflammatory markers 113.197.8.190 (talk) — Preceding undated comment added 16:22, 1 April 2014 (UTC)

I agree with 113.197.8.190, a heel prick is a method of blood (capilliary) extraction for testing, it does not need to be for PKU testing at all. While it might be colloquially known in a maternity ward as a 'heel prick test,' in other wards and other areas (pathology) this synonymous meaning (heel prick test = PKU/Guthries card) does not exist. 'Heel prick' is the method of blood extraction while the 'test' can be anything eg. glucose, fbc, cue, etc... As it stand, this page is not accurate. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 125.236.62.33 (talk) 01:45, 15 December 2014 (UTC)

Extended tests
In the UK four more are to be included: The extra conditions which will now also be tested for are: Maple syrup urine disease Homocystinuria Glutaric acidaemia type 1 Isovaleric acidaemia http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30657478 2.31.3.85 (talk) 13:20, 6 January 2015 (UTC)

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Why the heel?
The article does not explain why the heel is used and not any other part of the body. Alcmaeonid (talk) 05:45, 3 February 2022 (UTC)