The heel prick, or capillary blood sampling, is commonly used for newborn screening of congenital hypothyroidism due to its ease of access, minimally invasive nature, and ability to provide sufficient blood for screening tests. This method involves a small puncture of the baby’s heel to collect a small amount of capillary blood, which is then used for screening assays.
The procedure is rapid, standardized, and widely used in newborn screening programs worldwide, allowing for timely detection of congenital hypothyroidism and other conditions. Overall, the heel prick method is practical, convenient, and effective for newborn screening purposes.
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