PRACTICAL PHYSIOLOGY I

(PHS 291)
BLOOD COLLECTION/SAMPLING IN HUMANS
 INTRODUCTION
Blood samples from humans or animals for investigations
purpose in Physiology are usually collected from the veins or
capillaries.

Anticoagulants are chemical substances that prevent blood

from clotting and thus maintain the blood in fluid state
outside the blood vessels (in vitro).

Blood must be mixed adequately in the appropriate volume

of the anticoagulant (e.g EDTA, sodium citrate, heparin, etc).

Clotted blood samples are unsuitable for blood experiments.

BLOOD COLLECTION TECHNIQUES
The 3 techniques employed for blood collection in humans
are:
1. Capillary blood collection / fingerprick technique

2. Venous blood collection technique

3. Arterial blood collection technique

Capillary collection technique

Site of collection:
1. the ball of the finger and fleshy part of the earlobes in
adults.
2. The big toe or the base of the heel in newborns and infants.

 Uses: for PCV and Hb estimations and counting of the

blood cells.

 Requirements/ materials: disposable and pre-sterilized

lancets, 75% alcohol, cotton wool and pipettes/capillary
tubes.
 Capillary collection technique

Procedure:
 Select a suitable site for the capillary puncture.

 Clean the selected site vigorously with cotton wool soaked in the 75% alcohol.

 Make a quick and firm stab on the selected site using the lancet while applying
gentle pressure.

 Wipe away the first 2 drops of blood using dry cotton wool.

 Carefully and quickly draw the blood into the appropriate pipette or capillary
and deliver into the appropriate diluent.

 Cover the site of the puncture immediately.

 MERITS OF CAPILLARY TECHNIQUE
 It is quick and relatively easy.

Minimum instrument is needed and thus cheap.

Direct measurement of the blood parameter is ensured.

Capillary technique is easily employed for blood collection in

neonates/infants.

This technique is ideal for individuals with burn injuries and

amputees.
DEMERITS OF CAPILLARY TECHNIQUE
Their is increased risk of sampling error due to excess tissue
fluid.

Local stasis may lead to false results.

Repeat testing is difficult due to the small volume of blood

collected.

Additional testing can only be done if sampling is repeated.

The sample collected does not represent the total blood volume.

High risk of infection.

 Venous collection technique

Site of collection:
1. The antecubital fossa which houses the median cubital,
basilica and cephalic veins.
2. Other veins at the back of the hand, wrist or ankle.

 Uses: for most investigations in blood physiology.

 Requirements/ materials: syringe and needle, tourniquet,

75% alcohol, cotton wool and anticoagulant container.
 Venous collection technique

Procedure:
 Prepare the syringe and needle and the appropriate container.

 Apply a tourniquet to the upper arm snugly to restrict the venous

flow.

 Instruct the subject to keep the arm straight and the fist clenched.

 Select a suitable, large and well placed vein and swab the selected
site with 75% alcohol.

 Anchor the vein at the puncture area by pressing below the

puncture site using the left thumb.
 Venous collection technique
Procedure:
 Insert the needle smooth into the vein with the bevel of the
needle facing upward and in a direct line with the vein.

 Withdraw the blood into the syringe until the quantity required
is attained.

 Instruct the subject to unclench the fist and press the cotton
wool at the puncture site.

 Detach the needle and discard into disposal container.

 Dispense and mix the blood into the anticoagulant container.

Merits of venous collection technique
Repeat testing is possible due to the large volume of blood
collected.

Additional tests are possible when required.

Venous blood is suitable for measurement of majority of

blood parameters.

It is a more representative sample.

Demerits of venous collection technique
Anticoagulants may introduce artifacts or distort the blood
cells.

It is a difficult technique for infants and neonates.

It may not be employed for amputees and burn patients.

DANGERS OF BLOOD COLLECTION
Infection

Air embolism

Damage to organs

Fainting spells.
 QUESTIONS
Outline 4 essential precautions during phlebotomy.
What is an anticoagulant and state 3 anticoagulants for
blood collection
 INSTRUCTIONS
Carry out the experiments.

Write the report following the approved protocol.

Answer the accompanying questions.