Chapter 10

Question 1

Lancet

Answer 1

Sterile, disposable, sharp-pointed or bladed instrument that is used to puncture or cut skin to obtain capillary blood specimen

Question 2

What color/size finger puncture lancets are used for adults?

Answer 2

Blue

Question 3

What color/size finger puncture lancets are used for infants/kids?

Answer 3

Purple and pink

Question 4

Microcollection container/ Microtainer?

Answer 4

Small plastic tubes used to collect tiny amounts of blood from capillary punctures. Do Not exceed max fill line of 500. Fill in-between min and max lines.

Question 5

What happens to glucose concentrations in capillary blood specimens?

Answer 5

Glucose concentrations are higher in capillary blood specimens (finger sticks)

Question 6

What values are lower in capillary specimens?

Answer 6

Total protein (TP), calcium (CA2+) and potassium (K+)

Question 7

Name some of the reasons for a capillary puncture (finger stick) on adults

Answer 7

• Available veins are fragile or must be saved for other procedures
• Several unsuccessful venipunctures have been performed
• Patient has clot forming tendencies
• Patient is apprehensive or has an intense fear of needles
• There are no accessible veins (IVs in both arms, scars or burns)
• For POCT procedures such as glucose monitoring

Question 8

Name some of the reasons for a capillary puncture (finger stick) on Infants/ young children

Answer 8

• Small blood volume and risk of anemia
• Risk of cardiac arrest when large quantities of blood are removed
• Venipuncture is difficult and may damage veins and surrounding tissues
• Puncturing deep veins can cause hemorrhage, venous thrombosis, infection and gangrene
• Risk of injury due to restraint needed for venipucture
• Capillary blood is preferred specimen for some tests

Question 9

Capillary Order of Draw

Answer 9

1. Blood gas specimens (CBGs)
2. EDTA specimens
3. Other additive specimens
4. Serum specimens

Question 10

Capillary Puncture Steps

Answer 10

Step 1: Review test request
Step 2: Approach, Identify and prepare P
Step 3: Verify diet restrictions/latex sensitivities
Step 4: Sanitize hands and put on gloves
Step 5: Position P (palm up)
Step 6: Select the puncture/incision site
Step 7: Warm the site if applicable (3-5 minutes)
Step 8: Clean and air dry site
Step 9: Prepare equipment (put on glove if not on and open everything in front of P)
Step 10: Puncture the site and discard lancet
Step 11: WIPE AWAY FIRST DROP of blood
Step 12: Fill and mix tubes/containers in order of draw
Step 13: Place gauze and apply pressure (keep site elevated)
Step 14: Label specimen
Step 15: Check site and Apply bandage
Step 16: Dispose of used and contaminated materials
Step 17: Thank P, remove gloves and sanitize hands
Step 18: Transport specimen to the lab

Question 11

PKU (phenylketonuria)

Answer 11

Newborn screening blood spot collection