To obtain a blood sample for TSB, a phlebotomist takes blood from the infant's tissue (usually the heel) rather than from a vein, as the veins of newborns are extremely small and easily damaged.
A site, usually on the infant's heel, is chosen by the phlebotomist who draws the infant's blood sample.
In rare instances, a phlebotomist is not able to draw sufficient blood from a heel puncture, and a physician may draw venous blood from a femoral vein in the groin area, which is larger than veins in an infant's arms.
In rare instances, a phlebotomist is not able to draw sufficient blood from a heel puncture, and a physician may draw venous blood from a femoral vein in the groin area or another vein larger than veins in an infant's arms.
The person's blood is usually collected by a nurse or phlebotomist by sticking a needle into a vein.
