Kapillaarinäytteen

Kapillaarinäytteen refers to a small blood sample collected from a capillary, typically a tiny blood vessel. This method is commonly used for diagnostic purposes, allowing for rapid and less invasive blood collection compared to venous blood draws. The most frequent site for capillary puncture is the fingertip, although other locations like the heel (in infants) or earlobe can also be used.

The procedure involves cleaning the chosen site and then making a small puncture with a lancet. The first drop of blood is usually wiped away to avoid contamination with interstitial fluid, and subsequent drops are collected into a capillary tube, microvette, or directly onto a testing strip or slide. This technique is particularly useful for point-of-care testing, where immediate results are needed.

Capillary blood is a mixture of arterial and venous blood, along with interstitial fluid and intracellular fluid. Its composition can differ slightly from venous blood, especially concerning glucose levels, which tend to be higher in capillary samples. This difference is an important consideration when interpreting test results. Capillaarinäytteen is widely used for tests such as blood glucose monitoring in diabetics, hemoglobin testing for anemia, and screening tests for various infectious diseases. The small volume required makes it suitable for pediatric patients or individuals with difficult venous access.