When would a capillary puncture be advised?

When would a capillary puncture be advised?

• A. When a venipuncture is advised
• B. When a venipuncture is not advised
• C. When a patient refuses any blood draw
• D. Only for arterial sampling

Answer: (B)

Capillary puncture is chosen when venous access is not advisable or feasible. It provides a small amount of blood quickly and with minimal discomfort, making it ideal for situations with difficult veins, edema, burns, or when only a tiny sample is needed for point-of-care tests or newborn screening. It wouldn’t be used if a venipuncture can be performed, since venipuncture is the standard method for obtaining larger volumes or samples for many tests. It’s not for arterial sampling, which uses a different technique. And if a patient refuses any blood draw, you should not collect, even if a capillary puncture might be technically possible.

Capillary puncture is chosen when venous access is not advisable or feasible. It provides a small amount of blood quickly and with minimal discomfort, making it ideal for situations with difficult veins, edema, burns, or when only a tiny sample is needed for point-of-care tests or newborn screening. It wouldn’t be used if a venipuncture can be performed, since venipuncture is the standard method for obtaining larger volumes or samples for many tests. It’s not for arterial sampling, which uses a different technique. And if a patient refuses any blood draw, you should not collect, even if a capillary puncture might be technically possible.