What are the capillary puncture steps?

Hold the finger in an upward position and lance the palm-side surface of the finger with proper-size lancet (adult/child). Press firmly on the finger when making the puncture. Doing so will help you to obtain the amount of blood you need. Cap the Microtainer® and gently invert it 10 times to prevent clots from forming.

What tests can be done with a capillary puncture?

Below is a list of common tests performed on capillary blood specimens some of which are point-of-care tests or home self-testing:

  • Blood smears for manual white blood cell count.
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Hemoglobin & hematocrit (H&H)
  • Electrolytes.
  • Neonatal blood gasses.
  • Neonatal bilirubin.
  • Neonatal screening.
  • Glucose.

How do we take capillary blood?

Capillary blood is obtained by pricking a finger in adults and a heel in infants and small children. The specimen is then collected with a pipette, placed on a glass slide or a piece of filter paper, or is absorbed by the tip of a microsampling device.

What are the necessary equipment needed for capillary puncture?

Capillary punctures require different devices than the typical venipuncture equipment. They include lancets, microcontainer tubes, microhematocrit tubes and sealants, and warming devices. Improper use of these devices may contribute to improper specimens and pre-analytical errors.

What is the difference between venipuncture and capillary puncture?

The procedure is easier and less painful than traditional venipuncture which draws blood from a vein. In order to collect blood with a capillary tube, the appropriate site must be cleaned and punctured with a lancet so that a drop of blood can be gently expressed.

Why do you wipe the first drop of blood?

The first drop of blood from a lancing site contains a greater volume of platelets, which could make the lancing site seal up before enough blood was obtained for the test, and the dual wipe ensured a longer, larger flow of blood.

What finger is not allowed in capillary collection?

The thumb (1) is to be avoided because it has a pulse. The index finger (2) tends to be more calloused, which would make collection of the specimen more difficult. This area is also more sensitive for the patient. The pinky finger (5) does not have sufficient tissue depth to prevent injury.

What is a capillary sample?

A capillary sample is a blood sample collected by pricking the skin. Capillaries are tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

Why do you wipe away first drop of blood?

Why you should not squeeze blood out of your finger after pricking?

The participants also tested their blood sugar using varying amounts of pressure to squeeze a drop of blood from the tested finger. (In general, guidelines advise against squeezing the finger too hard to get a blood drop because it may distort blood sugar readings.)

What are the differences between capillary and venous blood?

In brief: Small difference. CBG is combined arterio-venous blood so the blood sugar from capillaries is a little higher because arteriole blood is more nutrient rich, bringing nutrients to tissues. Venous blood has already been through the capillary system where nutrients/metabolites are “picked up and dropped off.

What happens in the capillary?

A capillary is a microscopic channel that supplies blood to the tissues themselves, a process called perfusion. Exchange of gases and other substances occurs in the capillaries between the blood and the surrounding cells and their tissue fluid (interstitial fluid).

How is a phlebotomy different from venipuncture?

There are different techniques within phlebotomy, such as venipuncture and fingerstick withdrawal. Venipuncture is the drawing of blood from veins , while fingerstick withdrawal is the drawing of blood by pricking the fingertips. Dialysis Technician: A dialysis technician functions in different roles.

What is the lining of a capillary called?

The lining of a capillary is called the A. endothelium.   7. The exchange of nutrients and gases between the blood and tissue cells is the primary function of D. capillaries.