Capillary blood collection is appropriate in which scenario, and what is a critical step to avoid dilution?

Prepare for the CAMLPR Specimen Collection Competency Test. Practice with diverse question sets including multiple-choice and flashcards. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you become proficient before the exam.

Capillary blood collection is appropriate when venipuncture is not feasible or when a small sample is needed, such as in infants or when rapid, point-of-care testing is required. The key step to avoid dilution is not squeezing the puncture site; excessive pressure pushes tissue fluid into the blood drop, diluting the sample and skewing test results. Use proper technique: choose an appropriate site (heel for infants, fingertip for others), warm the area to improve blood flow, puncture with a suitable lancet, and allow blood to flow into the collection device with gentle, non-milking pressure. If needed, discard the first drop to minimize tissue-fluid contamination.