Capillaarinäytteen

Capillaarinäytteen is a Finnish term that translates to "capillary sample" in English. It refers to a small volume of blood or other bodily fluid collected using a capillary tube or a similar micro-sampling device. These methods are often employed for diagnostic purposes when only a minimal amount of biological material is available or when a less invasive collection technique is preferred.

Capillary samples are commonly obtained through finger-prick testing, a procedure where a small drop of blood is drawn from the fingertip. This technique is widely used for various tests, including blood glucose monitoring for individuals with diabetes, hemoglobin testing to check for anemia, and certain rapid diagnostic tests. The small volume collected minimizes discomfort and the risk of complications associated with venipuncture.

Beyond blood, capillary sampling can also be applied to other bodily fluids such as interstitial fluid or plasma. The collected sample is then analyzed using various laboratory techniques to detect the presence of specific biomarkers, pathogens, or to measure concentrations of different substances. The simplicity and reduced invasiveness of obtaining a capillariinäyte make it a valuable tool in point-of-care testing and in situations where frequent sampling is required.