Publisher: Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
Publication Date: October, 2020
Formats: full color, print and digital versions
Pages: 64

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The seventh edition of Collection of Capillary Blood Specimens by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) details the standardized technique for the collection of diagnostic capillary blood specimens including: recommendations for collection sites and specimen handling and identification. New in this edition:

• content reorganized to reflect the incorporation of Quality Management System (QMS) principles;
• greater detail on patient identification, registration, and specimen labeling processes;
• a revised protocol for identifying proper puncture sites;
• greater guidance on patient positioning;
• updated figures and references.

Detailed specifications for collection sites, puncture depth, and disposable devices used to collect, process, and transfer capillary blood specimens are also included. Dennis J. Ernst, MT(ASCP), NCPT(NCCT), Director of the Center for Phlebotomy Education, was a member of the revision committee.

 

"This revision contains significant changes every phlebotomist, manager and educator must be aware of," says Ernst. "Capillary samples are particularly vulnerable to collection and handling errors that can substantially alter test results. When performed without the guidance in this document, patients can be misdiagnosed, over- or undermedicated, and mismanaged in ways that can be life-threatening. Everyone should be updating their SOPs and training materials to reflect this new standard."