Questions?
Refer to Page 10-9 For Technical Support Instructions.
Collecting Blood Samples
How to Obtain a Capillary Blood Sample:
Use only fresh whole blood samples.
•
Make sure that the sampling site is clean and dry before lancing.
•
Collect the capillary blood using a lancing device and an appropriate technique.
•
Apply a drop of blood to the target area at the end of the test strip. Allow the entire target area
•
to fill with blood.
If necessary, blood can be collected in a capillary tube coated with heparin or EDTA may be
•
applied to the test strip within 30 minutes of collection.
How to Obtain a Venous Blood Sample:
Use only fresh whole blood samples.
•
Collect the venous blood sample in a collection tube containing heparin or EDTA. Make sure
•
that the tube is filled to the stated volume. Do not under fill.
Do not use collection tubes that contain fluoride or oxalate.
•
If the blood is collected from an intravenous line, clear the line before drawing the sample into
•
a heparinized syringe.
Use the sample within 30 minutes of collection.
•
Invert the tube with the sample several times immediately before removing the sample.
•
Use a disposable transfer pipette to obtain a sample from the center of the collection tube.
•
Apply a drop of blood to the target area at the end of the test strip. Allow the entire target area
•
to fill with blood.
How to Obtain an Arterial Blood Sample:
Use only fresh whole blood samples.
•
Clear the arterial line before drawing a blood sample into a heparinized syringe.
•
Use the sample within 30 minutes of collection.
•
Mix the blood specimen well immediately before applying the sample to the target
•
area of the test strip.
Allow a drop of blood to form at the tip of the syringe.
•
Apply a drop of blood to the target area at the end of the test strip. Allow the entire target area
•
to fill with blood.
How to Obtain a Neonatal Capillary Blood Sample (heel stick):
The following procedures should only be performed by a trained professional.
•
Use only fresh whole blood samples.
•
Collect the capillary blood using a lancing device and an appropriate technique.
•
Apply a drop of blood to the target area at the end of the test strip. Allow the entire target area
•
to fill with blood.
T
•
he blood can be collected in a capillary tube coated with heparin or EDTA, and then applied
to the test strip.
Alternately, you can use the heel-to-strip method: Allow a hanging drop of blood to form
•
from the heel and apply to the target area of the test strip. Results will not be impacted by
gently touching the heel to the test strip.
Disposing of Waste
Observe the following guidelines when disposing of biohazardous waste:
Dispose of used lancets in an approved sharps container.
•
Discard used capillary tubes, disposable transfer pipettes or tips and test strips in an approved
•
biohazard container.
Follow your facility’s biohazard disposal policy.
•
Chapter 3: Patient Test
3-2
