Fingerstick

Fingerstick, also known as capillary fingerprick, is a method to obtain a small blood sample by pricking the fingertip with a sterile lancet for diagnostic testing or home monitoring. It is widely used for self-monitoring of blood glucose and for rapid point-of-care tests in clinics, where venous draws are impractical or time-consuming. Capillary blood can be analyzed by handheld meters, test strips, or small portable analyzers, with results used to guide treatment decisions or screening.

Procedure: The skin is cleaned with an alcohol swab. A lancet creates a shallow puncture, usually on the side of the fingertip. A small drop of blood is collected, often by touching a test strip or capillary tube to the drop. The sample is then read by a meter or analyzer. Proper technique and sample volume are important for accuracy; users are advised to avoid squeezing the finger excessively and to wipe away the first drop, which may contain tissue fluid.

Uses: Self-monitoring of glucose for people with diabetes is the most common application. Other rapid tests performed with fingerstick samples include certain lipid panels, blood ketone testing in diabetes, and some infectious disease point-of-care assays. Newborn screening uses heel-prick sampling rather than fingerstick.

Advantages and limitations: Fingerstick is quick, minimally invasive, and can be done outside a clinic. Limitations include variability between devices, effects of hematocrit and temperature on results, and potential for improper collection leading to inaccurate readings. Some tests still require venous blood for accuracy.

Safety and quality: Use sterile, single-use lancets and proper disposal of sharps. Follow device instructions and local guidelines for infection control and result interpretation.