Overview
This note outlines the recommended procedure for collecting a capillary blood specimen from a patient's finger, emphasizing preparation, technique, and safety considerations.
Patient and Hand Preparation
- Ensure the patient’s hand is warm and relaxed before collection.
- Wash the hand in warm water for several minutes to improve blood flow and remove lotions or creams.
- Massage the finger with several downward motions prior to finger stick.
- Lower the hand below heart level during blood collection.
Blood Collection Site Preparation
- Clean the puncture site with an alcohol swab and allow to air dry thoroughly.
- Choose the side of the middle or ring finger for puncture; avoid calloused fingers by selecting a different one if needed.
Lancet Use and Safety
- Use a 21 gauge single-use safety lancet for the procedure.
- Rotate and pull off the protective cap of the lancet before use.
- Press the lancet firmly against the puncture site to lance the skin.
- Discard the lancet immediately in a designated sharps container.
Blood Drop Formation and Handling
- Gently squeeze and massage the finger at one-second intervals to form a full drop; do not squeeze excessively.
- For cholesterol testing, wipe away the first drop of blood with gauze and collect the second drop.
Capillary Transfer Tube Usage
- Use the Mission capillary transfer tube to draw the correct blood volume and facilitate sample application.
- Hold the tube horizontally and touch the tip to the blood drop, allowing blood to fill past the black line by capillary action.
- Squeeze the bulb to expel the sample onto the test strip or cartridge once filled.
Troubleshooting and Precautions
- If insufficient blood is collected, repeat gentle squeezing or steps until a sufficient drop forms.
- If air bubbles appear in the transfer tube, repeat the finger stick and collection steps.
- Do not attempt to aspirate blood with the bulb.
- Properly discard the transfer tube after use.