Certified Clinical Medical Assistant CCMA Practice Test

An MA has a request to collect a routine CBC from a healthy 10-month old infant. Which of the following is the most appropriate collection site?

1. earlobe

2. left heel

3. temporal artery

4. vein in the wrist

The correct answer is: left heel

The most appropriate collection site for a routine CBC from a healthy 10-month-old infant is the left heel. In infants, especially those who are younger than 1 year old, collecting blood samples can be challenging due to their small size and the depth of their veins. The heel is preferred because it is a safer and less invasive method for obtaining capillary blood samples in infants. Using the heel allows for a blood draw without the risks associated with venipuncture, particularly in a small child. It's also important to ensure that the area is adequately warmed (if needed) to promote blood flow. The other options mentioned are less suitable for this age group: the earlobe is typically used for older children or adults; the temporal artery is not a common site for routine blood draws; and the veins in the wrist may be difficult to access and pose a higher risk of complications in infants due to their smaller veins.