RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Heel blood sampling in preterm infants: which technique? JF Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition JO Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health SP F206 OP F208 DO 10.1136/fn.71.3.F206 VO 71 IS 3 A1 D P Barker A1 B W Latty A1 N Rutter YR 1994 UL http://fn.bmj.com/content/71/3/F206.abstract AB Preterm infants undergoing heel blood sampling were randomly allocated to specimen collection by heel puncture (Autolet II Clinisafe) or incision (Tenderfoot 'preemie'). A total of 187 procedures was observed in 47 infants. No significant difference was found in the infants' behavioural response, increase in heart rate, or in the frequency of specimen haemolysis. Collection times for small to medium sized samples were similar, but for large samples (> 1 ml) the Tenderfoot method was superior and fewer repeat procedures were necessary. Tenderfoot has the added advantage of improved safety, but it is too costly for routine use.