Description
Features & Benefits
- Quality of care – Niche Infant Heel Warmers provide the level of care that must be given to infants. This making blood tests quick and painless experiences for babies.
- Protection – Using these Niche Infant Heel Warmers, preventing multiple pricks of infant heels which minimises potential bruising and infections, as well as cartilage damage that can be caused by the heel sticks typically used for blood draws.
- Prevents –Excessive sampling consequently decreasing the risk of anaemia in infants as an iatrogenic complication.
- Comfort – The warmers have a wrap-around design that conforms to the baby’s heel, alleviating discomfort and allowing for effortless blood sampling.
- Convenient design – Each warmer has an easy-peel adhesive that secures it to the baby’s heel, plus a simple tear-away strap to allow for hassle-free removal.
- Safe and reliable – These heel warmers are made with non-toxic sodium acetate (food grade gel).
- Latex-free
What is a heel prick test?
The newborn blood spot test involves taking a small sample of your baby’s blood to check it for 9 rare but serious health conditions. When your baby is around 5 days old, a healthcare professional will prick your baby’s heel and collect a few drops of blood on a special card. This is sent off for testing. The heel prick may be uncomfortable and your baby may cry, but it’s all over very quickly.
The Newborn Metabolic Screening Programme screens newborn babies for 23 metabolic disorders:
- Amino acid disorders (9 disorders, including PKU and MSUD)
- Fatty acid oxidation disorders (8 disorders)
- Congenital hypothyroidism (CH)
- Cystic fibrosis (CF)
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
- Galactosaemic
- Biotinidase deficiency
- Severe combined immune deficiency (SCID).
Preventing repeat samples:
Repeat samples are needed for about one in every fifty babies. Repeat samples are needed if there was too much or not enough blood collected, the sample was contaminated or took too long to reach the laboratory, or the result showed an increased risk of one of the disorders. If this happens with your baby’s sample, your Lead Maternity Carer will contact you and request another blood sample to be taken from your baby’s heel. Most repeat samples are negative. This is usually because the first sample had too much or not enough blood, was contaminated (eg, with baby powder or lotion), or took too long to reach the laboratory, and the test result was not accurate. If the baby’s metabolism is slightly delayed, this may also cause an inconclusive reading. In these cases the repeat sample will usually give a negative result.
National Screening Unit: www.nsu.govt.nz/pregnancy-newborn-screening/newborn-metabolic-screening-programme-heel-prick-test/frequently-asked#Are%20repeat%20samples%20ever%20needed?
www.cbs19news.com/story/46087424/two-disorders-added-to-newborn-screening-panel
Alternative Uses
Heel warmers, although ideal for newborn heel stick tests, do not only benefit neonatal and paediatric care. The versatility in a ‘heat pack’ means that they are also beneficial for elderly care. This can be for blood draws/tests on elderly patients, or even to provide relief to common side effects of aging.
However, it’s crucial to use them with caution to ensure the safety and well-being of the elderly individuals. Here are some considerations and tips for using heat packs in elderly care:
Consultation with a Healthcare Professional:
Before using heel warmers, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if the elderly person has underlying health conditions or is taking medications.
Duration of Use:
We advise that the Heel Warmers are only used for a MAXIMUM of 3-5 minutes at a time. Using for longer then this recommended period may result in burning and irritation, especially on sensitive skin. Please take this into consideration when using the Heel Warmers on any skin.
Monitoring:
Always monitor the elderly person while using heat packs to ensure they are comfortable and not experiencing any adverse reactions.
Proper Placement:
Apply the heat pack to the specific area of discomfort or pain. Avoid placing it directly on sensitive skin, and use a cloth or towel as a barrier to prevent burns.
Sensitivity and Skin Integrity:
Be cautious if the elderly person has decreased sensitivity or compromised skin integrity, as they may be less aware of discomfort or burns.
Regular Checks:
Regularly check the elderly person’s skin for any signs of irritation, redness, or burns. If any issues arise, discontinue the use of heel warmers and consult a healthcare professional.
Hydration:
Ensure that the elderly person stays well-hydrated, as heat therapy can increase fluid loss through sweating.
Individualized Approach:
Each person’s tolerance to heat may vary, so pay attention to the elderly person’s feedback and adjust accordingly.
Specification Sheet: Infant Heel Warmers Specification Sheet
Clinical Paper
Further Information:
For more information, contact us 01274 965089 or check out our website at www.nicheofficesolutions.co.uk / www.nicheofficesolutions.co.uk/niche-nhs
Further clinical information can be found on our blog page: www.nicheofficesolutions.co.uk/category/niche-healthcare-news
For products not found on our online website, please view our Healthcare catalogues: www.nicheofficesolutions.co.uk/healthcare-catalogues
View our Healthcare YouTube videos Playlist
If you have any additional questions, drop us an email at info@nicheofficesolutions.co.uk
People who viewed the above also liked:
admin_office –
The heel warmers have been very beneficial for our patients. They are easy to use and comfortable for the patient.
When using these prior to carrying out heel prick bloods we have obtained a good flowing sample with little distress.
I would recommend these to other health care professionals.
sirmastersteven –
I wholeheartedly recommend Niche Infant Heel Warmers to every parent out there. These warmers are a wonderful addition to your baby’s healthcare journey, ensuring that their comfort is a top priority. Niche Healthcare has truly created a product that has made a positive impact on family’s life, & I am confident it will do the same for yours.
rick280874 –
Great for our Neonatal department, the infants received this product well, help retrieve better bloods for day 5. Thanks Sarah for helping.
tinksali2814 –
I highly recommend Niche Infant Heel Warmers to all parents. They’re a fantastic addition to your baby’s well-being, prioritizing their comfort. Niche Healthcare has crafted a product that positively impacts families, and I believe it will do the same for you.
andersondiamond2305 –
Really easy to use. Highly recommend!
aaronram1237 –
Very good product.
Used these on infants in my ward was easily accessible and worked like a charm! highly recommend!
sarah –
The Baby Infant Heel Warmers have been very beneficial for our patients. They are easy to use and comfortable for the patient. When using these prior to carrying out heel prick bloods we have obtained a good flowing sample with little distress. I would recommend these to other health care professionals.
greermason44 –
The heel warmers have proven to be highly advantageous. They provide comfort . Utilizing them before conducting heel prick blood tests has consistently resulted in obtaining well-flowing samples with minimal distress. I wholeheartedly recommend these to fellow healthcare professionals.
elisexleoni –
The Baby Infant Heel Warmers have proven to be highly advantageous for our patients. They offer ease of use and comfort, ensuring a positive experience for the infants. Employing these warmers before conducting heel prick blood tests has consistently resulted in obtaining well-flowing samples with minimal distress. I wholeheartedly recommend these to fellow healthcare professionals.