Question 58

The standard depth of a dermal puncture for an infant is 2 mm.

A dermal puncture for an infant should be performed at a depth of 2 mm, as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), to ensure both effective blood collection and the safety of the infant.

A) 3 mm.

This option is incorrect as a depth of 3 mm exceeds the recommended limit for dermal punctures in infants, increasing the risk of injury to deeper tissues and complications during the procedure.

B) 2 mm.

This option is correct because CLSI guidelines specify that a dermal puncture in infants should be performed at this depth. It strikes a balance between adequate sample collection and minimizing potential harm to the infant's delicate tissue.

C) 0.30 mm.

This option is incorrect since a depth of 0.30 mm is insufficient for obtaining an adequate blood sample in infants. Such a shallow puncture may not penetrate the skin adequately to access the capillary blood supply.

D) 0.20 mm.

This option is also incorrect as a depth of 0.20 mm is too shallow to ensure proper blood collection from an infant. Similar to option C, it risks failing to reach the necessary capillary network.

Conclusion

The standard of 2 mm for dermal punctures in infants is crucial for achieving effective blood collection while ensuring the safety and well-being of the infant. All other options either exceed the safe limit or fall short of the necessary depth, highlighting the importance of adhering to established standards in clinical practices.