Evaluation of Diabetes Care parameters in capillary blood collected with a novel sampling device

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine whether the Hem-Col method of obtaining and storing blood is an acceptable alternative to venepuncture for measuring Diabetes Care parameters. Design and methods: Hem-Col is a novel blood collection device that is designed to collect capillary blood drawn with a finger prick. Hem-Col is a microtube containing an anticoagulant and a preservation buffer to enhance analyte stability in whole blood. The Diabetes Care parameters cholesterol, creatinine, HbA1c, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured both in blood/plasma collected via Hem-Col and blood/plasma collected with venepuncture. The results were compared to assess the agreement between the two methods. Results: HbA1c shows agreement after storage for up to 120 hours at temperatures ranging from 4 to 37 °C. Cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and creatinine can be measured after 120 hours of storage in Hem-Col buffer, if high temperatures are avoided, and with the use of correction factors or adaptations to reported reference intervals. Conclusion: Hem-Col is suitable for the measurement of HbA1c after storage for up to 120 hours at temperatures ranging from 4 to 37 °C. Cholesterol, creatinine, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides can be measured after 120 hours of storage in Hem-Col buffer, if high temperatures are avoided. Further studies are required to determine whether Hem-Col can replace the venepuncture for the Diabetes Care parameters.

Clinical Sensitivity, Specificity and Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 Serological Testing Using the Biozek COVID-19 Test

“…When patients had no symptoms but requested a test, the date of onset of symptoms was not registered. Sera were self-collected by finger prick as described earlier using Hem-Col which is a novel blood collection device that is designed to collect capillary blood drawn with a finger prick [ 10 ]. Hem-Col is a microtube containing an anticoagulant and a preservation buffer to enhance analyte stability in whole blood.…”

The societal impact of implementing an at-home blood sampling device for chronic care patients: patient preferences and cost impact

“…Self-management is becoming increasingly important in healthcare [ 18 ]. It can reduce unscheduled care by improving disease control and quality of life, potentially reducing costs, and improving healthcare outcomes as a result [ 19 ]. At-home blood-sampling empowers patients by allowing them to take more control of their own healthcare [ 20 ].…”

“…Patients have control over where and when they want to perform the blood sampling, which reduces the possible disruption of their daily routines. Importantly, blood does not have to be sampled via venipuncture but can be collected with a finger prick, which is less invasive [ 19 ]. It has been shown that patients prefer a finger prick over venipuncture [ 21 , 22 ], mainly since it is experienced as being less painful, although contradictory results have also been reported [ 23 ].…”

“…This is a microtube which enables patients to sample their own blood via a finger prick, and send the blood sample through postage to the hospital or laboratory for analysis. The Hem-Col device allows reliable measurement after days of storage, resulting in a larger time frame for laboratories to analyze the sample [ 19 ]. Hem-Col tubes have the size of regular blood collection tubes, which makes analyzing by standard laboratory equipment possible [ 19 ].…”

“…The Hem-Col device allows reliable measurement after days of storage, resulting in a larger time frame for laboratories to analyze the sample [ 19 ]. Hem-Col tubes have the size of regular blood collection tubes, which makes analyzing by standard laboratory equipment possible [ 19 ]. Hem-Col is available to consumers outside hospital laboratories but is not yet implemented in current clinical practice.…”