Why Capillary Blood Samples?
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Capillary blood, often collected by a fingerstick or heelstick, has a range of applications, for example as diagnostic sample, for monitoring of conditions such as diabetes, for point of care testing or for home screening.
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The sample composition is made up of blood from the capillaries, venules and arterioles, and interstitial and intracellular fluid. For diagnostic samples, capillary can often be used as a less invasive collection method to venous blood, but the values may differ and this must be taken into consideration depending on the application.
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Although venepuncture is traditionally considered to be the gold standard for blood sample collection, capillary blood collection is gaining in significance due to the suitability for those with more fragile veins and due to the smaller amount of blood sample collected.
The capillary beds of a fingertip or heel are accessed by sticking with a blade or needle lancet and capillary blood collection tubes are used to collect the sample material, a quick and uncomplicated sample collection method, compared to venepuncture.
Capillary blood collection is widely used in point-of-care testing (POCT) settings, such as in emergency wards, clinics, and even at home. The ability to perform rapid tests and obtain immediate results is vital for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Tests that can be performed using capillary blood include blood glucose levels, haemoglobin, and cholesterol, among others.
Which Patients Could Benefit from Capillary Blood Collection
Paediatric Patients
Children often have smaller and more delicate veins, making blood collection a challenging task. It's important to use gentle techniques to minimize discomfort and anxiety, as traumatic experiences early in life may have long-lasting effects, for example a future needle phobia. Healthcare workers collecting samples from infants and children need special training, as advised in the WHO Guidelines on Drawing Blood (WHO Guidelines on Drawing Blood: best practices in phlebotomy, 2010).
Geriatric Patients
Geriatric patients may have more fragile and less elastic veins, making blood collection more challenging. Limited range of motion can hinder manipulation and make it difficult to locate veins. Other factors may include dehydration and low blood pressure, which can contribute to difficulty in locating veins. Capillary blood collection offers a gentler alternative, reducing the risk of bruising and discomfort. This method is particularly advantageous for routine blood tests and monitoring chronic conditions in older adults.
Chronic Diseases
In addition to this, patients with chronic conditions who need frequent blood tests to manage their condition, could have easier access to testing with capillary collection and the reduced sample volume means less burden to the patient. Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes require frequent blood tests to manage their health effectively. Capillary blood collection enables them to perform self-monitoring at home, leading to better disease management and improved quality of life. The convenience and ease of this method helps patients stick to their testing schedules.
Capillary blood collection has the potential to play a crucial role in modern healthcare, offering a minimally invasive, convenient, and safe method for obtaining blood samples. Its relevance is particularly evident in pediatric and geriatric care, chronic disease management, and also point-of-care testing. By understanding the benefits and applications of capillary blood collection, healthcare providers can better serve their patients and improve overall healthcare outcomes.
Greiner Bio-One offers the MiniCollect® capillary blood collection line of products, designed specifically for collection and transport of capillary blood samples. These products are engineered to ensure ease of use, safety, and reliability for both healthcare professionals and patients.
