15/04/2026
Why Prick the Heel: The DBS Test for Exposed Babies
I hear many mothers asking why choose to prick the baby’s heel (calcaneum) or (Akatende in bemba😁) and the big toe for the DBS test instead of the finger. It can be hard to watch your little one look uncomfortable, but there are very important medical reasons why do this because this is the safest and most effective way to get the blood needed.
In babies, the fingers are very small and the bones are very close to the surface. Pricking a tiny finger could accidentally damage the bone or the delicate tissues. The heel and the big toe have more "padding" or fleshy tissue, which makes them much safer sites to collect a good sample without causing any lasting harm to the baby's growing body.
Another reason is blood flow. The heel, in particular, has a rich supply of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. By warming the heel slightly before the prick, that can get the large, full drops of blood required to fill the circles on the filter paper. If they don't get enough blood to soak through the paper correctly, the lab cannot run the test, and the baby would have to be pricked all over again.
Even though it causes a small moment of crying, this quick prick is a life-saving action. It is the only way to get the clear "truth" about the baby's status so we can protect their future. A few seconds of discomfort is a small price to pay to ensure your child grows up strong, healthy, and protected from the start.
