The maximum one-time blood draw for a 6-8 pound newborn is approximately

The maximum one-time blood draw for a 6-8 pound newborn is approximately

• A. 1 mL
• B. 2 mL
• C. 2.5 mL
• D. 3 mL

Answer: (C)

In newborns, the amount drawn at one time must be kept small because their total blood volume is limited. A common guideline is to limit a single draw to about 1% of the infant’s total blood volume. For a newborn weighing 6–8 pounds (roughly 2.7–3.6 kg), total blood volume is about 230–320 mL, so 1% is roughly 2.3–3.2 mL. 2.5 mL falls nicely in that range, making it a reasonable approximate maximum for a single draw in a newborn of this size. The other options are outside that practical, safety-based estimate for one-time collection.

In newborns, the amount drawn at one time must be kept small because their total blood volume is limited. A common guideline is to limit a single draw to about 1% of the infant’s total blood volume. For a newborn weighing 6–8 pounds (roughly 2.7–3.6 kg), total blood volume is about 230–320 mL, so 1% is roughly 2.3–3.2 mL. 2.5 mL falls nicely in that range, making it a reasonable approximate maximum for a single draw in a newborn of this size. The other options are outside that practical, safety-based estimate for one-time collection.