Capillary Puncture: Equipment and Procedures

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What is the composition of capillary specimens?

A mixture of arterial blood and interstitial fluid

A mixture of arterial, venous, and capillary blood (correct)

A mixture of arterial and venous blood

A mixture of venous blood and intracellular fluid

When is capillary puncture an appropriate method for adults and older children?

When the patient is undergoing surgery

When the patient is taking anticoagulant medication

When there are no accessible veins or available veins are fragile (correct)

When the patient has a bleeding disorder

Why is capillary puncture the preferred method for obtaining blood from infants and young children?

Because it reduces the risk of infection

Because it is less painful

Because it does not cause damage to veins and surrounding tissues (correct)

Because it is less invasive

What is a reason why capillary blood is preferred for certain tests?

It is the preferred specimen for newborn screening tests Signup and view all the answers

Why is capillary puncture a preferred method for patients with thrombotic or clot-forming tendencies?

Because it reduces the risk of clotting Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use of capillary blood in point-of-care testing (POCT)?

Glucose monitoring Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended depth of incision for adults?

< 2.5 mm Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to warm the site before collecting a blood sample?

To increase blood flow Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using a gauze or gauze-type pad?

To wipe away the first blood drop Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended order of draw for capillary specimens?

EDTA, additive, serum Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum temperature of the water used for warming devices?

42°C Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when venous blood is collected by syringe and put into microcollection containers?

Label it as venous blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for warming the site when collecting blood specimens?

To increase arterial flow into the area Signup and view all the answers

Why is the first drop of blood typically wiped away?

Because it may contain excess tissue fluid and alcohol residue Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe a specimen obtained from a warmed site?

Arterialized Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper procedure after puncturing the site?

Wipe away the first drop of blood and discard the lancet Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of microhematocrit tubes?

To perform manual hematocrit determinations Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the used and contaminated materials?

Dispose of them Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the procedure?

Transport the specimen to the laboratory Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of sealants in microhematocrit tubes?

To seal one end of the tube Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended site for capillary puncture on adults and children older than 1 year?

The palmar surface of the distal or end segment of the middle or ring finger Signup and view all the answers

Why should capillary puncture not be performed on the fingers or earlobes of newborns or infants under 1 year of age?

According to CLSI standards Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of warming the site before capillary puncture?

To increase blood flow to the area Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between heparin and nonadditive microhematocrit tubes?

Heparin tubes are coated with heparin, while nonadditive tubes are not Signup and view all the answers