Guide to Dried Blood Sampling and Applications |
Posted: April 2, 2018 |
Dried Blood Sampling is gaining momentum due to tremendous benefits it offers in the way the blood is collected imperceptibly. Although this method to collect blood samples prevails from last five decades, but its scientific importance has proved recently. It offers an extremely new way to collect, store and ship blood samples to laboratory for testing and analysis. Lower volume of blood sample needs to be collected and it can be easily done by oneself at home. Dried blood spot is the simplest form of bio-sampling. Blood samples are obtained by pricking the heel or finger and is blotted and dried on a special filter paper. These dried samples then needs to be shipped to the analytical laboratory where the samples are examined. All the components needed for dried blood collection is provided by dried blood spot kit manufacturers and is delivered at your doorstep on order. This method is highly useful for measurement of insulin levels, triglycerides, new-born screening, HIV related epidemiological studies and high sensitivity C-reactive protein. DBS Applications in Scientific Arena Dried blood sampling brings along relatively non-invasive option for blood collection for neonatal screening as well as epidemiological studies. The condition is that the analytes to be measured from DBS testing must be stable to drying. It must easily be released from the filter paper upon elution. The procedure for collecting, storing and shipping the dried spot blood samples is fairly standardized. However, analysis of the blood spot presents several challenges, but handling the samples carefully following defined guidelines resolves the issue. Extraction of capillary blood through finger or heel prick is comparatively painless and doesn’t cause any discomfort or soreness. Instructions to Follow Most samples remain stable at room temperature for at least a week on drying. The procedure to collect blood sample is easier and can be done by the patient itself without any medical training. However, a pre-defined procedure to collect blood sample needs to be followed as per instructions provided by the DBS kit manufacturers on carton. Free consultation is provided by several DBS manufacturers on how to use the kit and the patients can make use of this service by contacting them. Dried blood sampling also poses less infectious hazards and is comparatively safe. This method is also considered suitable for performing surveys in developing countries where cost cutting is an essential aspect due to limited health budget. While collecting the blood sample through DBS perforation, it is important that one must wear gloves before pricking the tip of the finger or heel. In addition, do not forget to mention the patient details in clear handwriting along with the address information. Once all the required components of the DBS kit are packed in an envelope do not forget to seal it properly to ensure secure shipping. Lipomic’s dried blood spot collection kit is India’s first real Home2Lab Test kit that contains all components necessary for cost-effective collection, storage, and transportation of DBS samples from the comfort of your home. It can be conveniently used by both patients and practitioners.
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