Capillary blood

Capillary Blood

Capillary blood is the blood that circulates within the smallest blood vessels in the body, known as capillaries. This type of blood is of significant importance in the field of medicine and healthcare, as it is often used for diagnostic testing due to its accessibility.

Overview

Capillaries are the smallest of the body's blood vessels and are part of the microcirculation. They are only one cell thick, which allows for the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients between the blood and the body's cells. Capillary blood, therefore, is a mixture of arterial and venous blood.

Capillary Blood Sampling

Capillary blood sampling is a medical procedure where a small amount of blood is collected from the capillaries for testing. This is often done by pricking the skin, typically on the finger, heel, or earlobe, with a small, sharp device known as a lancet. The blood is then collected onto a glass slide, into a small tube, or onto a test strip.

Capillary blood sampling is commonly used in glucose monitoring, cholesterol testing, blood gas analysis, and hemoglobin level testing. It is also used in newborn screening tests.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of capillary blood sampling is its simplicity and minimal invasiveness. It is less painful than venous or arterial blood sampling, and can be performed with minimal training. This makes it particularly useful in home monitoring situations, such as diabetes management.

However, capillary blood sampling also has some disadvantages. The small sample size can limit the types of tests that can be performed. Additionally, the procedure can cause discomfort and potential infection if not performed correctly. Furthermore, the results can be affected by various factors, including temperature, altitude, and hydration status.

See Also

• Blood vessel
• Blood test
• Microcirculation
• Venous blood
• Arterial blood