Capillary sample

A capillary sample of blood is obtained by pricking the skin's surface to obtain a drop or several drops of blood for laboratory testing. The usual location of capillary blood sampling is the skin of the finger or heel.

Review Date: 4/25/2023
Reviewed By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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