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phlebotomy

Capillary Puncture (Fingerstick)

A capillary puncture (fingerstick) collects a small amount of blood from the finger for tests that need only a little.

16 steps5 criticalLimit 4 minAlways tested

Steps

  1. 1Critical stepPerform hand hygiene and put on gloves
  2. 2Verify the order and confirm the patient's identity using two identifiers
  3. 3Assemble your equipment, including a new lancet and the collection device
  4. 4Choose a finger: the middle or ring finger, with the puncture on the side of the ball of the finger
  5. 5Critical stepWarm the hand or finger if needed to improve blood flow
  6. 6Clean the site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry
  7. 7Hold the patient's hand palm up, with the finger below heart level
  8. 8Critical stepPlace the lancet on the side of the finger across the fingerprint lines and puncture with one quick, continuous stroke
  9. 9Critical stepWipe away the first drop of blood with gauze
  10. 10Let a drop form, gently massaging only if flow is poor, and do not squeeze the finger tightly
  11. 11Collect the blood into the collection device, filling to the manufacturer's stated volume and, for several tubes, hematology first
  12. 12Cap the tube and mix additive tubes gently right away, as the manufacturer directs
  13. 13Critical stepApply firm pressure until bleeding stops, then cover the site with a bandage
  14. 14Discard the used lancet in the sharps container
  15. 15Label the specimen, remove gloves, and perform hand hygiene
  16. 16Document the procedure, site, time, and specimens collected

What graders are watching for

Tips
  • Use one lancet for one puncture and one site only. Reusing a lancet or a site risks contamination and infection (WHO).
  • Wipe away the first drop, and do not squeeze the finger tightly: squeezing dilutes the sample with tissue fluid and raises the chance of hemolysis (WHO).
  • Use the middle or ring finger on the side of the ball of the finger. Avoid the thumb and index finger (calluses) and the little finger (thin tissue) (WHO).

Common mistakes

  • Squeezing or milking the finger to hurry the drop.
  • Using the first drop for the test.
  • Puncturing before the alcohol has dried.
  • Reusing a lancet or a puncture site.
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