Patient selection: > 1 year of age (never in a newborn)
Finger selection:
(1) preferred: middle or ring fingers
(2) less desirable: index finger (may be calloused, may be very sensitive)
(3) off limits: thumb and fifth finger
Avoid:
(1) an edematous finger
(2) an infected finger (cellulitis, etc)
(3) an ischemic finger
(4) a finger that has had an excessive number of needle sticks
Method:
(1) The puncture is made on the palmar surface of the distal phalanx.
(2) Do not make the puncture at the tip or along the side of the finger.
(3) The long axis of the puncture lancet should run across (not parallel to) the fingerprint.
(4) The fingers should not be excessively "milked" since that may introduce excessive interstitial fluid.
