Where is an acceptable site for skin puncture on infants?

The lateral or medial plantar surface of the heel is considered an acceptable site for skin puncture on infants due to several important factors related to safety and effectiveness. This area is anatomically suitable because it has a sufficient amount of capillary blood vessels, allowing for adequate blood collection with minimal injury to deeper tissues.

Using this site reduces the risk of impacting nerves and bones, which is critical in infants where the anatomy is not yet fully developed. Additionally, puncturing in this area tends to minimize discomfort for the infant, which is significant in performing procedures that might cause anxiety or distress.

The other options might not be the best choices as they either carry a higher risk of complications or do not provide as much access to the capillary network. For instance, the back curvature of the heel and the middle of the plantar surface may place the puncture too close to bony structures or are not optimal for collecting a sufficient blood specimen. The plantar surface close to the arch may also increase the risk of accidental injury to nerves. Thus, the selection of the lateral or medial plantar surface ensures effective and safe blood collection practices in infant patients.