CHAPTER

10
Capillary Puncture Equipment
and Procedures

OBJECTIVES
1 Define the key terms and abbreviations listed at the beginning of this chapter.
Study the
information in 2 List and describe the various types of equipment needed for capillary specimen
your textbook collection.
that corresponds
to each objective 3 Describe the composition of capillary specimens, identify which tests have different
to prepare reference values when collected by capillary puncture methods, and name tests that
yourself for the cannot be performed on capillary specimens.
activities in this
chapter. 4 Identify indications for performing capillary puncture on adults, children, and infants.

5 List the order of draw for collecting capillary specimens.

6 Describe the proper procedure for selecting the puncture site and collecting capillary
specimens from adults, infants, and children.

7 Describe how both routine and thick blood smears are made and the reasons for
making them at the collection site.

8 Explain the clinical significance of capillary blood gas, neonatal bilirubin, and
newborn screening tests, and describe how specimens for these tests are collected.

177

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 178 UNIT III: BLOOD COLLECTION PROCEDURES

Matching Kyla M. Artillaga BSMT1C

Use choices only once unless otherwise indicated.

MATCHING 10-1: KEY TERMS AND DESCRIPTIONS

Match the key term with the best description.

Key Terms (1–10) Descriptions (1–10)

I
1. _____ arterialized A. A drop of blood spread thin on a microscope slide
B. Bluish in color from lack of oxygen
A blood film/smear
2. _____
C. Capillary blood gases; blood gas tests on a capillary specimen
G calcaneus
3. _____ D. Disorder characterized by an inherited inability to metabolize a milk
sugar
C CBGs
4. _____
E. Disorder characterized by insufficient levels of thyroid hormones
5. _____
B cyanotic F. Fluid in the tissue spaces between the cells
G. Medical term for heel bone
H differential
6. _____
H. Microscopic examination of a blood smear to identify number, type, and
7. _____
J feather characteristics of blood cells
I. Term used to describe a capillary specimen collected from a warmed site
8. _____
D galactosemia J. Thinnest area of a properly made blood smear where a differential is
9. _____
E hypothyroidism performed
10. _____
F interstitial fluid

Key Terms (11–20) Descriptions (11–20)

11. _____
C intracellular fluid A. Back of the heel
B. Disorder involving a defect in the metabolism of phenylalanine
12. _____
H lancet C. Fluid within the cells
I
13. _____ microcollection D. Inflammation of the bone and cartilage
containers E. Inflammation of the bone marrow and adjacent bone
F. Narrow-bore 50 to 75 mL capillary tubes
14. _____
F microhematocrit tubes G. Routine testing of newborns for the presence of certain disorders
15. _____
G newborn/neonatal H. Sharp-pointed or bladed instrument used for capillary puncture
screening I. Special small plastic tubes used to collect capillary specimens
D osteochondritis J. Spiral pattern of the fingerprint
16. _____
E osteomyelitis
17. _____
B PKU
18. _____
A posterior curvature
19. _____
20. _____
J whorls

MATCHING 10-2: FINGER PUNCTURE PRECAUTION AND RATIONALE

Match the finger puncture precaution with the appropriate rationale.

Finger Puncture Precaution Finger Puncture Rationale

C Do not puncture fingers
1. _____ A. Blood can run down the finger rather than form a rounded drop, and
of infants and children under make collection difficult.
1 year of age. B. It has a pulse, indicating an artery in the puncture area.
C. The amount of tissue between skin surface and bone is so small that
2. _____
D Do not puncture fingers bone injury is very likely.
on the same side as a
D. The arm is susceptible to infection, and effects of lymphostasis can lead
mastectomy without consultation
to erroneous results.
with the patient’s physician.

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 CHAPTER 10: CAPILLARY PUNCTURE EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES 179

A Do not puncture parallel

3. _____ E. The distance between skin surface and bone is half as much as in the
to the grooves or lines of the central fleshy portion.
fingerprint. F. The finger is more sensitive and can be more calloused and harder to
G Do not puncture the fifth puncture.
4. _____
G. Tissue between the skin surface and bone is thinnest in this finger,
or little (pinky) finger.
and bone injury is likely.
F Do not puncture the
5. _____
index finger.
6. _____
E Do not puncture the side
or very tip of the finger.
7. _____
B Do not puncture the thumb.

MATCHING 10-3: HEEL PUNCTURE PRECAUTION AND RATIONALE

Heel Puncture Precaution Heel Puncture Rationale
1. _____
B Do not puncture any A. Arteries, nerves, tendons, and cartilage in these areas can be injured.
deeper than 2.0 mm. B. Deeper punctures risk injuring the bone, even in the safest puncture
2. _____
F Do not puncture areas areas.
between the imaginary C. Excess tissue fluid in the area could contaminate the specimen.
boundaries. D. It is painful, and impaired circulation or byproducts of healing can
negatively affect the specimen.
3. _____
A Do not puncture in the E. The bone can be as little as 1 mm deep in this area.
arch and any areas of the foot
F. The calcaneus may be as little as 2.00 mm deep in this area.
other than the heel.
G. This can be painful and can spread previously undetected infection.
D Do not puncture severely
4. _____
bruised areas.
E Do not puncture the
5. _____
posterior curvature of the heel.
6. _____
G Do not puncture through
previous puncture sites.
C Do not puncture a site
7. _____
that is swollen.

MATCHING 10-4: BLOOD SMEAR PROBLEM AND PROBABLE CAUSE

Match the blood smear problem with a probable cause (TEXTBOOK Table 10-2). Use choices only once.

Problem Probable Cause

E Absence of feather
1. _____ A. Blood drop too small
B. Dirty slide or fat globules in the blood
B Holes in smear
2. _____
C. Edge of spreader slide dirty or chipped
H Ridges or uneven thickness
3. _____ D. Spreader slide angle too shallow
E. Spreader slide lifted before smear was completed
4. _____
G Smear is too thick F. Spreader slide pushed too quickly
5. _____
F Smear is too short G. Patient has high red blood cell count
H. Too much pressure applied to spreader slide
6. _____
D Smear is too long
7. _____
A Smear is too thin
8. _____
C Streaks or tails in feathered
edge

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 180 UNIT III: BLOOD COLLECTION PROCEDURES

Labeling Exercises
LABELING EXERCISE 10-1: ADULT HAND

NR 1

NR

R
R
NR
2 Proximal Phlanax

3 Whorls

Use directional medical terminology to label the finger parts indicated by arrows 1 and 2. Place an “R” on the
fingers that are recommended as capillary puncture sites. Place “NR” on the fingers that are not recommended as
capillary puncture sites. Draw a red line to indicate the direction of puncture on an acceptable area of the finger
segment identified by arrow number 3. Identify the term for the pattern of the fingerprint shown on the finger
segment, and write it on the line after arrow number 3.

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 CHAPTER 10: CAPILLARY PUNCTURE EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES 181

LABELING EXERCISE 10-2: INFANT FOOT

NR
2

5 R R 3
X

Identify the areas of the infant foot identified by the numbered arrows and write the term for the area on the cor-
responding numbered line. Use directional medical terms for numbers 3, 4, and 5. In parentheses after each term,
write the letter “R” if the site is a recommended heel puncture site and the letters “NR” if it is not a recommended
site for heel puncture. Draw dotted lines to indicate the imaginary lines that are used to determine the safe areas
for heel puncture. Color the safe areas for heel puncture pink. Draw an “X” in the area of the heel bone and write
the medical term for heel bone on line 6 below.
1. Medial Plantar 4. Medial Calcaneal
2. Saphenous 5. Sural

3. Lateral calcaneal 6. Calcaneus

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 CHAPTER 10: CAPILLARY PUNCTURE EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES 183

12. Capillary specimen collection is especially useful for (A) pediatric patients in whom removal of
(B) larger quantities of blood can have (C) serious consequences .
13. An important (A) OSHA required lancet safety feature is a permanently (B) retractable blade or
(C) needle point to reduce the risk of accidental sharps injury.
14. Although (A) light blue top microtubes are available from some manufacturers, they
are not to be used for (B) capillary specimens. They are intended to be used for (C) venous
blood collected by (D) syringe in difficult draw situations.
15. Pay strict attention to (A) fill (B) levels of microtubes containing (C) anticoagulant .

KNOWLEDGE DRILL 10-2: SCRAMBLED WORDS

1. zalitraerdie arterialized (blood from a warmed site)
2. liribunbi bilirubin (it can cross the blood–brain barrier)
3. slacneuca calcaneus (do not puncture this)
4. placryail capillary (this bed is in the skin)
5. snatrelititi intersitial (pertaining to spaces between tissue cells)
6. cletan lancet (a very sharp object)
7. napartl plantar (pertaining to the sole of the foot)
8. pocos scoop (not good technique to do this)
9. tairoluvtel ultraviolet (light that breaks down bilirubin)
10. slowhr whorls (fingerprint pattern)

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 184 UNIT III: BLOOD COLLECTION PROCEDURES

Skills Drills
SKILLS DRILL 10-1: REQUISITION ACTIVITY
You have received the following test order with instructions to collect the specimens by capillary puncture. List
(according to the order of draw) the name of the test that will be collected in each tube, the stopper colors of the
microtubes you will use, the additive(s) the tubes contain, and any special handling required for each specimen.
Write “NA” if no special handling is required.

Any Hospital USA

1123 West Physician Drive
Any Town USA

Laboratory Test Requisition

PATIENT INFORMATION:

Name: Smith John L

(last) (first) (MI)

Identification Number: 051263975 Birth Date:

Referring Physician: Payne

Date to be Collected: 05/12/2011 Time to be Collected: STAT

Special Instructions: Collect by capillary puncture only

TEST(S) REQUIRED:

NH4 – Ammonia Gluc – glucose

X Bili – Bilirubin, total & direct Hgb – hemoglobin

BMP – basic metabolic panel Lact – lactic acid/lactate

BUN - Blood urea nitrogen Plt. Ct. – platelet count

X Lytes – electrolytes PT – prothrombin time

X CBC – complete blood count PTT – partial thromboplastin time

Chol – cholesterol RPR – rapid plasma reagin

ESR – erythrocyte sed rate T&S – type and screen

EtOH - alcohol PSA – prostate specific antigen

D-dime

Test in Order of Draw Stopper Color Tube Additive Special Handling

1. Lytes - electrolytes Yellow Trisodium citrate, citric acid N/A
2.Bili - Bilirubin, Total & direct Red clot activator Protect from light
3. CBC- Complete blood count Lavender/ Violet EDTA N/A

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 186 UNIT III: BLOOD COLLECTION PROCEDURES

SKILLS DRILL 10-3: FINGERSTICK PROCEDURE (Textbook Procedure 10-1)

Fill in the blanks with the missing information.

Steps Explanation/Rationale
1–3. See Chapter 8 Venipuncture See Chapter 8 Procedure 8-2: steps 1 through 3.
steps 1 through 3.
4. (1) sanitize hands and put Proper hand hygiene plays a major role in
on (2) gloves . (3) infection control by protecting
the phlebotomist, the patient, and others from
contamination. Gloves are required at this point to
protect the phlebotomist from bloodborne pathogen
exposure.
5. Position the patient. The patient’s arm must be supported on a
(4) firm surface with the hand extended and
the palm up. A young child may have to be held on the
lap and restrained by a parent or guardian.
6. Select the puncture/incision site. Select a site in the central, (5) fleshy portion
and slightly to the side of center of a (6) middle
or (7) ring finger that is warm, pink or
normal color, and free of scars, cuts, bruises, infection,
rashes, swelling, or (8) previous punctures.
7. (9) warm the site, if applicable. Warming makes blood collection easier and
(10) faster , and reduces the tendency to
squeeze the site. It is not normally part of a routine
fingerstick unless the hand is cold; in which case, wrap
it in a comfortably warm washcloth or towel for 3 to
5 minutes or use a commercial (11) warming
device .
8. Clean and (12) air-dry site CLSI recommends (13) 70% isopropanol
the site. for cleaning capillary puncture sites. Cleaning removes
or inhibits skin flora that could infiltrate the puncture
and cause infection. Letting the site dry naturally
permits maximum (14) antiseptic , action,
prevents contamination caused by wiping, and avoids
stinging on puncture and specimen hemolysis from
residual alcohol.

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 CHAPTER 10: CAPILLARY PUNCTURE EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES 187

9. Prepare the equipment. Select a fingerstick (15) lancet according to

the age of the patient and amount of blood to be col-
lected. Verify lancet (16) sterility by checking to
see that packaging is intact before opening; open and
handle aseptically to maintain sterility. Select collec-
tion devices according to the ordered tests. Place items
within easy reach along with several layers of gauze
or gauze-type pads. Remove or release any lancet
(17) locking mechanism and hold the lancet
between the thumb and index finger, or per manufac-
turer’s instructions.
10. Puncture the site and (18) discard Grasp the patient’s finger between your nondominant
the lancet/incision device. (19) thumb and index finger, hold-
ing it securely in case of sudden movement. Place
the lancet (20) flat against the skin in the
central, fleshy pad of the finger, slightly to the side of
center to avoid bone injury, and (21) perpendicular
to the fingerprint whorls so the blood will form eas-
ily collected drops and not run down the fingerprint.
Warn the patient or parent/guardian, trigger the punc-
ture, and discard the lancet in sharps container.
11. Wipe away the (22) first Apply gentle pressure until a (23) blood

blood drop. drop forms, and use a clean gauze pad to

wipe it away. This prevents contamination of the speci-
men with excess (24) tissue fluid
and rids the site of alcohol residue that could prevent
formation of well-rounded drops and also hemolyze
the specimen.
12. Fill and mix the tubes/containers in Collect subsequent blood drops using devices
(25) order of draw . appropriate for the ordered tests and in the CLSI
order of draw to (26) minimize effects of clot-
ting on specimens. Hold a microhematocrit tube above
or beside the site and touch one end to the
(27) blood drop . You may need
to lower the opposite end of the tube slightly as it
fills, but do not remove it from the drop because this
creates air spaces in the specimen that compromise

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 188 UNIT III: BLOOD COLLECTION PROCEDURES

results. When the tube is full, (28) plug the

opposite or dry end with (29) clay or other
suitable sealant. Hold a microcollection tube below
the blood drop. Touch the scoop to the blood drop
and allow it to (30) run down the
inside wall of the tube. The tube may need a gentle
(31) tap occasionally to settle blood to
the bottom. Seal tubes when full and mix additive
tubes by gently inverting them (32) 8 to
10 times.
13. Place gauze and apply Apply pressure with a clean gauze pad and
(33) pressure . elevate the site until bleeding stops.
14. (34) label the specimen Specimens must be labeled with the appropriate
and observe special handling instructions. information (see Chapter 8). Affix labels
(35) directly to microcollection containers.
Place microhematocrit tubes in a nonadditive or aliquot
tube and place the label on this container. Follow any
special handling required.
15. (36) check the site and apply Examine the site to verify that bleeding has stopped;
bandage. apply a bandage if the patient is an older child or
adult, and advise the patient to keep it in place for at
least (37) 15 minutes . If bleeding
persists beyond (38) 5 minutes

notify the patient’s nurse or physician.

16. Dispose of used and Discard equipment packaging and bandage
(39) contaminated materials. wrappers in the trash. Follow (40) facility
protocol for discarding contaminated items, such as
(41) blood - soaked gauze.
17. Thank patient, remove gloves, and Thanking the patient is courteous and professional.
(42) sanitize hands. Remove gloves (43) aseptically and wash or
decontaminate hands with (44) sanitizer as
an infection control precaution.
18. Transport specimen to the lab. (45) prompt delivery to the lab is necessary to
protect specimen integrity.

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 CHAPTER 10: CAPILLARY PUNCTURE EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES 189

SKILLS DRILL 10-4: HEELSTICK PROCEDURE RATIONALE (Text Procedure 10-2)

Match the following rationales to the heelstick procedure steps listed below. Place the appropriate letter next to the
step under Rationale.
A. Removes or inhibits skin flora that could infiltrate the puncture and cause infection
B. The infant should be lying face up with foot lower than the torso so gravity can assist blood flow
C. Open and handle aseptically to maintain sterility
D. Request is reviewed for completeness, date and time of collection, status, and priority
E Makes blood collection easier and faster
F. Follow CLSI order of draw for capillary specimens to minimize effects of clotting
G. Correct ID is vital to patient safety and meaningful test results
H. Place the lancet flat against the skin using enough pressure to keep it in place without deeply compressing
the skin
I. Exposure to latex can trigger a life-threatening reaction in those allergic to it
J. Prevents contamination of the specimen with excess tissue fluid
K. Medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel that is warm and normal color
L. Applying pressure and elevating the foot helps stop bleeding
M. Proper hand hygiene plays a major role in infection control by protecting the phlebotomist, the patient, and
others from contamination

Heelstick Procedure Step Rationale

1. Review and accession test request. D
2. Approach, identify, and prepare patient.
G

3. Verify diet restrictions and latex sensitivity. I

4. Sanitize hands and put on gloves. M
5. Position the patient. B

6. Select the puncture site. K

7. Warm the site, if applicable. E

8. Clean and air-dry the site. A
9. Prepare the equipment. C
10. Puncture the site and discard the H
lancet/incision device.
11. Wipe away the first blood drop. J
12. Fill and mix tubes/containers in order of draw. F
13. Place gauze and apply pressure. L

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 CHAPTER 10: CAPILLARY PUNCTURE EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES 191

Crossword

1 5
C Y A T 2O N I 3
C 4
C A P I L L A R Y
B S L L A
6
G T I S N P
7 8
A R T E R I AL I Z E D P A D
O O K
9 10 11 12
C A L C A N E U S N T H U M B
H A E I
13 14
M I C R O T U B E S T F E C
N A I L R
15 16
S L I DE S E A L A N T O
17
R H G P O C T
I A E O
18 19 20 21
P L
A N T A R R W H O R L S L
A I P I A L
22 23 24
I N C I S I O N S P S I T E
C C E E C
25
E N N E W B O R N R T
26
T F S K I N
27
T I S S U E F L U I D O
28
H D N

ACROSS DOWN
1. Marked by bluish color 1. Capillary blood gas (abbrev.)
4. Blood specimen type collected by a dermal punc- 2. Inflammation of the bone and cartilage
ture 3. Regulations that establish standards for all labora-
7. Capillary blood becomes this after warming the site tory facilities
8. Alcohol used for cleaning the site 4. Organization that offers phlebotomy standards
9. Heel bone 5. Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase
10. Digit not suggested for capillary collection 6. Pertaining to newborn
13. Small plastic tubes used to collect tiny amounts of 8. Genetic disorder associated with phenylalanine
blood 11. Recommended collection site for infants
15. Rectangular glass plate required for making a blood 12. Term for obtaining tiny amounts of blood by
smear capillary puncture
16. Clay for plugging microhematocrit tube 14. Recommended site for capillary puncture on
17. Testing done at the location of the patient (abbrev.) children over 1 year of age
18. Bottom surface of the foot 16. Container for used lancets and needles
20. Spiral pattern of the fingerprint 19. Sterile, disposable, bladed instrument
22. Cuts in the skin 20. Necessary to first drop of blood
24. Place chosen to collect blood sample 21. Perforates the skin without a lancet
25. Neonatal 23. Units in the nursery where severely ill newborns
26. Outer covering of the body can be monitored
27. Contaminating factor when doing capillary collec-
tions (2 words)
28. Hemolysis in newborns (abbrev.)

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 192 UNIT III: BLOOD COLLECTION PROCEDURES

Chapter Review Questions

1. An inherited metabolic disorder detected through newborn screening.
a. Diabetes
b. Glucose
c. Phenylketonuria
d. Potassium

2. Which of the following equipment is needed for a malaria test?

a. Capillary tube
b. Clay sealant
c. Glass slide
d. Microhematocrit tube

3. A plasma specimen for this type of test cannot be collected by capillary puncture.
a. Chemistry
b. Coagulation
c. Hematology
d. All of the above

4. Capillary blood composition more closely resembles:

a. arterial blood.
b. lymph fluid.
c. tissue fluid.
d. venous blood.

5. The concentration of this analyte is normally lower in capillary specimens than in venous specimens:
a. calcium.
b. glucose.
c. hemoglobin.
d. all of the above.

6. Capillary collection is the preferred method of blood collection in infants because:

a. an infant can be injured by the restraining method used.
b. removing larger quantities of blood can lead to anemia.
c. venipuncture may damage veins and surrounding tissue.
d. all of the above.

7. If using capillary puncture to collect the following microtubes from a patient, which one would be collected first?
a. Gray top
b. Green top
c. Purple top
d. Red top

8. Which of the following is a recommended site for finger puncture in adults?

a. End segment of the little finger
b. Distal segment of the middle finger
c. Plantar surface of the index finger
d. Proximal segment of the ring finger

9. The medial plantar surface of the heel is located

a. at the very back portion of the heel.
b. in the middle of the bottom of the heel.
c. on the big toe side of the bottom of the heel.
d. on the little toe side of the bottom of the heel.

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 CHAPTER 10: CAPILLARY PUNCTURE EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES 193

10. It is necessary to control the depth of lancet insertion during heel puncture to avoid
a. bacterial contamination.
b. bone injury.
c. excessive bleeding.
d. puncturing a vein.

11. The primary purpose of warming a capillary puncture site is to

a. delay clotting.
b. increase blood flow.
c. minimize contamination.
d. reduce hemoconcentration.

12. Skin pain fibers increase in abundance

a. in the upper epidermis.
b. below 2.4 mm in depth.
c. beyond 4.9 mm in depth.
d. within the vascular bed.

13. Adult capillary puncture may be performed when

a. there are no accessible veins.
b. the patient has thrombotic tendencies.
c. veins must be saved for chemotherapy.
d. all of the above.

14. Wipe away the first drop of blood during capillary puncture to
a. minimize tissue fluid contamination
b. reduce the chance of hemolysis.
c. remove any alcohol residue.
d. all of the above.

15. Do not use povidone–iodine to clean skin puncture sites because it interferes with
a. potassium results.
b. phosphorus results.
c. uric acid results.
d. all of the above.

16. Which of the following represents proper capillary specimen collection technique?
a. Clean the site with alcohol and wipe it dry so it will not sting.
b. Puncture the skin parallel to the whorls of the fingerprint.
c. Squeeze the finger hard to get the very best blood flow.
d. Touch the scoop to the blood drop, not the skin surface.

17. Blood smears made using EDTA specimens should be prepared within:
a. 1 hour of specimen collection.
b. 2 hours of specimen collection.
c. 6 hours of specimen collection.
d. 24 hours of specimen collection.

18. An infant bilirubin specimen is collected in an amber microtube to:

a. flag it as a capillary specimen.
b. identify it as a bilirubin specimen.
c. protect the specimen from light.
d. reduce the chance of hemolysis.

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 194 UNIT III: BLOOD COLLECTION PROCEDURES

19. Which of the following PKU collection techniques is incorrect?

a. Air-dry the slips horizontally.
b. Completely fill every circle.
c. Do not touch the filter paper.
d. Fill circles from both sides.

20. Which of the following can result in a blood smear that is too long?
a. Angle of spreader slide is too steep.
b. Blood drop is too large or too thin.
c. Spreader slide is pushed too quickly.
d. Patient has a high hemoglobin level.

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