What is the typical purpose of a dermal puncture?

The typical purpose of a dermal puncture is to obtain blood from infants or small veins. This method is particularly advantageous for patients who are difficult to draw from venipuncture due to size, age, or the fragility of their veins, such as young children or infants. Dermal punctures, often done on the heel or fingertip, allow for a blood sample to be collected with minimal discomfort and trauma to the patient, making it a preferred technique in pediatric settings.

In this context, the dermal puncture is designed to collect small volumes of blood, which is usually sufficient for many routine tests, such as a complete blood count or blood glucose levels. Other methods, such as venipuncture, are more suitable for drawing larger volumes or specific types of blood collections, like blood cultures. The purpose of administering medication is unrelated to the process of drawing blood and is accomplished through different routes, such as intravenous or intramuscular injections.