kapillaarinäytettä

Kapillaarinäyte refers to a small sample of fluid, most commonly blood, collected using a capillary tube. These tubes are very narrow, often less than a millimeter in diameter, and utilize capillary action to draw the fluid into the tube. This method of sample collection is particularly useful when only a small volume of sample is required, minimizing discomfort and invasiveness for the patient.

The most frequent application of a kapillaarinäyte is in blood glucose monitoring. A tiny prick from a lancet on the fingertip provides a small drop of blood, which is then carefully guided into a capillary tube or directly applied to a testing strip designed for capillary blood. Other medical tests may also utilize capillary samples for various analyses, including hemoglobin levels, electrolytes, and drug concentrations.

The advantages of using capillary samples include the minimal amount of blood needed, making it ideal for infants, the elderly, or individuals with difficult venous access. The procedure is generally less painful and quicker than venipuncture. However, it's important to note that capillary blood composition can differ slightly from venous blood due to factors like tissue fluid dilution and intermittent flow. Therefore, certain laboratory tests are specifically designed or validated for capillary samples to ensure accurate results. Proper collection technique is crucial to avoid hemolysis or contamination of the sample.