What is the finger-prick blood test called? Medical questions: what you need to know about taking the test, and why they take blood from the ring finger

Blood testing is the most common method laboratory diagnostics state human body. Basically, specialists prescribe a general finger blood test to patients. We suggest you consider how to properly take a blood test from a finger prick, as well as what the result of this test can tell you.

How to take a finger prick blood test correctly?

Today, capillary blood testing is a fairly simple and informative diagnostic method. But due to the fact that false results test may cause diagnosis misdiagnosis, the patient must adhere to some rules before undergoing it, in particular:

blood from a fingertip for examination must be taken on an empty stomach in the morning;
the interval between the last meal and the analysis should be at least 8 hours;
Before the analysis, it is recommended to avoid strong physical activity and not to visit a bathhouse or sauna;
24 hours before the test you must stop drinking alcohol.

It is advisable to go this test before starting medication therapy or no earlier than a week after stopping it, since some medications may affect its results.

Today, experts do not recommend rubbing your hands before performing a clinical finger blood test. They explain this by saying that this action can provoke an increase in leukocytes in the blood and, thus, distort the result of the analysis.

A clinical or general blood test from a finger prick is recommended not only for the purpose of diagnosing diseases, but also for prevention. It allows a specialist to detect an inflammatory or infectious process on early stage and, accordingly, warn possible complications. We suggest you consider key indicators general research blood from a finger.

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a blood pigment that has a transport function, delivering oxygen from the lungs to organs and tissues. Its norm is 130–160 g/l in men and 120–140 g/l in women. A decrease in hemoglobin levels in the blood indicates the development of anemia. His increased value may indicate dehydration, intestinal obstruction, Congenital heart defect.
Red blood cells (RBC) are red blood cells, involved in the transport of oxygen and supporting biological oxidation reactions. Their norm in the body of men is from 4.0 to 5.0 g/l, and in women – from 3.7 to 4.7 g/l. A decrease in their content occurs with blood loss, anemia, overhydration, and an increase may indicate the development of neoplasms, Cushing's syndrome and disease, and kidney pathology. A slight increase in their level in the blood is observed with burns, diarrhea, and taking diuretics.
Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells produced by the bone marrow. As indicated by the interpretation of the finger prick blood test, the normal concentration of reticulocytes is 0.2–1.2%. This indicator may decrease with aplastic anemia, kidney pathology, and folate deficiency anemia. An increase in their level occurs with blood loss and such forms of anemia as hemolytic and iron deficiency.
Color index(CP) is the relative concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. The rate of this indicator is in the range from 0.85 to 1.15%. A decrease in CP may indicate anemia, and an increase may indicate deficiency folic acid, polyposis, stomach cancer.
Platelets (PLT) - blood platelets, formed from cells bone marrow and responsible for blood clotting. Normally, their concentration in the blood is 180–320 × 10 9 / l. A decrease in their concentration is observed in diseases such as anemia (hemolytic, aplastic), thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic disease, systemic lupus erythematosus. In turn, an increase in platelets accompanies inflammatory processes, myeloid leukemia, polycythemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and tuberculosis.
White blood cells (WBC) are white blood cells responsible for the body's immune defense against various infections. Normally, the level of leukocytes in the blood ranges from 4.0 to 9.0 × 10 9 / l. Their reduced concentration is observed in diseases such as bone marrow hypoplasia, ARVI, typhoid fever, collagenoses, oncological diseases with metastasis to the bone marrow, leukemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, viral hepatitis, rubella. In turn, they increased content may occur in acute inflammatory processes, sepsis, meningitis, otitis media, pneumonia, bronchitis, pancreatitis.
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) indicates the level of proteins in the blood plasma. Normal content ESR in women should not exceed 20 mm/h, and in men - 15 mm/h. A decrease in this indicator may indicate erythremia, CHF, increased concentrations of bile acids, and hyperbilirubinemia. High level ESR accompanies inflammatory and infectious processes in the body, pathologies of the kidneys, liver, endocrine system, cancer, autoimmune disorders, intoxications.
Lymphocytes play main role V immune defense body. Their norm in the blood ranges from 1.0 to 4.5 × 10 9 / l. According to the deciphering of the finger prick blood test, a decrease in their level is observed in diseases such as myocardial infarction, lymphoma, autoimmune diseases, HIV infection, pneumonia, sepsis. An increase in the content of lymphocytes may indicate ARVI, thyrotoxicosis, tuberculosis, lymphocytic leukemia.
Granulocytes are granular leukocytes that can respond to allergic and infectious processes in the body. The norm of granulocytes in the blood ranges from 1.2 to 6.7 × 10 9 / l. Their high concentration is observed in systemic lupus erythematosus, aplastic anemia, tuberculosis, pemphigus, scarlet fever, and acute rheumatism. And an increase in the level of granulocytes accompanies inflammatory processes, allergic reactions, ulcerative colitis, chickenpox, Hodgkin's disease.
Monocytes are immature blood cells that can absorb pathogens, dead body cells and foreign particles. Their norm is 0.1-0.6 × 10 9 / l. Their low concentration in a general blood test from a finger prick is observed in hairy cell leukemia, bone marrow pathologies, radiation sickness. An increased level of monocytes in the blood may indicate leukemia, subacute endocarditis, tuberculosis, sepsis, lymphoma, brucellosis, malaria, syphilis, mononucleosis, toxoplasmosis.

When visiting a doctor in case of illness or for treatment preventive examination, assign a series laboratory examinations, among which the most common is finger blood testing. Most often prescribed. The principles of this research are well known to everyone since childhood. Patients usually know for this examination. The examination should be carried out in the morning on an empty stomach. This procedure very easy, the result is known the next day.

Purpose

Blood is taken from a finger in order to:

determined during a general examination;
express diagnostics of indicators (in this case, a special device is used - a glucometer);
express test for identifying the content level total cholesterol(subsequently, to detail the results, a test is required venous blood).

Preparation

To get more exact result A general blood test is taken from a finger prick in the morning (before 10 o’clock).
, you can eat your last meal 12 hours before blood sampling. The only liquids you can drink on the day of the test are: clean water.
For several days before the examination, it is recommended to exclude very fatty foods, as well as alcohol.
Also, a few days before the finger prick blood test, you should temporarily avoid heavy physical activity and try to worry less.
Immediately before blood collection, smoking is not allowed.

Carrying out

There are two options for carrying out general analysis blood:

In the case of the first, laboratory technicians do an abbreviated analysis that displays only shaped elements blood and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, that is, ESR, is determined.
The second option involves conducting a detailed blood test, which also covers indicators such as hematocrit, average hemoglobin content in an erythrocyte, quantitative and high-quality composition leukocytes, and others.

Upon appointment clinical examination The patient may have a question about what is used to prick the finger when blood is taken from it. Due to the increased risk of infection with blood-borne diseases, primarily hepatitis and AIDS, in modern laboratories throughout last decades for the fence biological material They use only disposable instruments, which are removed from the packaging, which is opened in front of the patient.

To directly pierce a finger, devices such as scarifiers, sterile needles, and lancets for piercing a finger are used. If the first two are used, the puncture delivers more painful sensations.

Today, laboratory technicians are increasingly inclined to use modern automatic instruments in which the lancet is placed inside a plastic case.

The advantages of scarifiers are safety, smaller needle sizes (helps reduce pain), ease of use, automation of the process (thanks to the trigger, accidental release of the blade is eliminated), as well as psychological factor(the patient, not seeing the needle, worries less).

Fence rules

The equipment necessary for the procedure is prepared ( sterile material, 70% solution ethyl alcohol or alcohol-containing antiseptics, disposable instruments, labeled slides and test tubes).
Held psychological preparation the patient, during which the essence and methodology of the subsequent examination are explained to him and consent to conduct it is obtained.
The patient is seated opposite medical worker who is drawing blood and is asked to place his hand on the table.
The fingertip from which blood is taken is treated with an antiseptic and dried with a dry sterile cotton ball.
Using a disposable instrument (scarifier, needle or lancet), a puncture is made to a depth of 2–3 mm.
The first drop of blood is removed with a dry sterile cotton pad.
To carry out the analysis, use the next ten drops of blood, which the laboratory assistant collects by gravity or draws into a special adapter. Do not squeeze your finger during the procedure, as this will lead to mixing of blood with tissue fluids, and the received data may be unreliable. The blood is placed in a special labeled tube with a reagent.
After the procedure, a sterile cotton ball moistened with an antiseptic is applied to the injection site and held for 5 to 7 minutes until the bleeding stops completely.

It should be noted that the principles of collecting blood from a finger are the same for adults and children over 1 year of age. There are some peculiarities in carrying out this procedure in newborns and children under 1 year of age.

They consist in choosing the puncture site (it is done on the lateral areas of the heel) and in choosing the instrument with which device to take blood from infants. When working with this group of patients, automatic sterile lancets are used to reduce the sensation of pain in the child during skin puncture and blood sampling from a finger.

A completely logical question may arise as to why to carry out clinical trial capillary blood is taken mainly from ring finger left hand, because the blood is the same everywhere in the body.

Indeed, laboratory technicians use blood from the innominate, middle or index finger. This is due to anatomical features human body. At the time of puncture there is always a risk of possible infection. In this case, the inner shells of fingers such as the thumb and little finger are directly connected to the inner shells of the hand.

When infected, the infection from these fingers will quickly spread to them, and then to short time will spread to the entire hand. The membranes of those fingers that laboratory assistants select are isolated and, in case of infection, the infection will remain only in them for some time, which makes it possible to quickly suppress it. In addition, the advantage of the ring finger is that it is the most “non-working” one on the hand. As a result, the skin on its pad is thinner, which reduces the patient's pain to a minimum.

Also, since the ring finger moves less than others, the wound after a puncture heals faster on it, which also serves to prevent infection.

Decoding

The attending physician is in charge. Of course, with today's unhindered access to general tables normal indicators, you can try to interpret the data yourself. However, this should not be done, since the specialist who prescribed this examination evaluates not just the level of content of one or another parameter, but includes them in the overall clinical picture and compares with other symptoms the patient has:

Hemoglobin, Hb – in women normal indicator varies in the range of 120 – 140 g/l, in men – 130 – 160 g/l. An increase in hemoglobin levels may indicate dehydration of the body, various intestinal infectious diseases, heart defects. A decrease indicates the development of anemia.
, CPU – normal level is 0.85 – 1.15%. A decrease in the level of the color indicator of the blood indicates the development of anemia; an increase may accompany a violation of the synthesis of folic acid and oncological processes.
Red blood cells - in women the norm is in the range of 3.7 - 4.7 g/l, in men - 4 - 5 g/l. may be observed as minor violations(diarrhea, burns, use of diuretics), and with the development oncological diseases and kidney pathologies. Low level indicates the development of anemia, blood loss, and the formation of edema.
, ESR is a normal indicator in women - up to 20 mm/hour, in men - up to 15 mm/hour. Increased rates are observed in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. pathological processes, cancer, disorders of the endocrine system, kidneys and liver. A decrease in indicators is characteristic of circulatory failure.
Leukocytes - regardless of gender, the norm is 4 - 9 * 109 / liter. noted when infectious processes, a decrease accompanies the development of cancer and hepatitis.
Platelets - responsible for, normally - 180 - 320 * 109 / liter. High performance platelets are noted when rheumatoid arthritis, various forms tuberculosis, oncology. A decrease in platelet levels accompanies autoimmune diseases and anemia.

It is prescribed at almost every doctor’s visit and blood is always donated during medical examinations. This method The study is informative and accessible, thanks to which you can assess the condition of the body. Finger prick blood test medical practice is called common or clinical analysis.

Blood from a finger for examination allows you to diagnose sugar levels, the number of blood cells, and other blood cells. Decoding the data allows you to determine the presence of inflammatory processes.

A finger prick blood test can help identify various pathologies: disorder, leukemia, infectious diseases. If a malfunction occurs in the body, this is always reflected in the composition of blood cells. After treatment of any disease, a finger prick blood test is also prescribed to monitor and ensure the effectiveness of treatment.

Such an analysis is always given during pregnancy to assess the condition of the fetus and the mother’s body. The woman experiences significant stress, so some values may deviate from the norm, but this does not always indicate pathology.

Each of the analysis indicators has its own meaning.

The purpose of the procedure depends on the age and condition of the patient. For children and adults, a blood test is performed to determine general condition child. The procedure may have a simplified or expanded version.

How to take blood from a finger

On the day of the study, the patient comes to the medical facility early in the morning. He sits down opposite the laboratory assistant and puts his hand on the table. Next, the laboratory assistant processes the pad of the ring finger antiseptic and lightly dry with dry cotton wool. Then the laboratory assistant punctures the finger with a disposable needle 2-3 mm.

The first drop of blood is removed with a cotton ball, and next drops collected in a special adapter.

During the procedure, the finger should not be squeezed, as blood may mix with tissue fluids and, as a result, the analysis will be unreliable.

The blood is placed in a test tube, which is pre-labeled.

After drawing blood, a cotton pad moistened with an antiseptic is applied to the puncture site. You need to hold it for about 5-7 minutes until the bleeding stops. This procedure is carried out for adults and children over one year old.

For newborn children, the procedure is slightly different. The puncture is made not on the toe, but on the side of the heel. To reduce pain in a child, automatic sterile lancets are used.The result can be found out on the day of blood donation, in some cases after 1-2 days.

How to prepare for the procedure

Before donating blood from your finger, you need to prepare for the procedure. This is necessary in order to obtain reliable information. It is important to remember that results may vary under certain conditions.

Do not eat before the test. In the morning you can only drink water. Dinner should be no later than 8-10 hours before the procedure.
The day before you should avoid eating smoked, fried and spicy food. All this affects the test results.
The day before blood sampling, you need to avoid physical activity.
Serious emotional shocks must be avoided.
ABOUT long-term use drugs must be notified to the doctor and laboratory assistant. It is important to know that some medications can be stopped the day before the test, while others can be stopped a week before. The results may be affected by intake the following drugs: antibiotics, aspirin, multivitamins, oral contraceptives and etc.
It is not recommended to smoke a few hours before the test.
It is undesirable to carry out other blood tests 24 hours before blood tests. instrumental methods. They are safe, but radiation, ultrasound or electromagnetic radiation may provide different action to blood cells.
Physiotherapy procedures may affect the clinical analysis, so it is better to carry them out after blood sampling.
If prescribed at a time when a woman is menstruating, the therapist should be notified about this. It is also necessary to inform the doctor about the onset of pregnancy and menopause.

Main indicators and their norm

Deciphering the blood test from a finger has the following indicators:

. This protein is involved in transporting oxygen to and from organs carbon dioxide. The normal concentration is 120-160 g/l. If the level of hemoglobin in the blood is insufficient, insufficient oxygen is supplied to the tissues. This usually develops with certain hereditary diseases, as well as in case of large blood loss.
. These are red blood cells involved in oxygen transport. The normal level of red blood cells for women is 3.7-4.7 g/l, and for men – 4-5 g/l. A low level of red blood cells is observed with anemia, overhydration, etc. High content indicates diseases, neoplasms, Cushing's diseases.
. White cells that protect the body from various infections. In the results, their norm is 4-9 × 109/l. White blood cells below normal may indicate a number of pathological conditions: leukemia, typhoid fever, etc. A high level of white cells is observed with meningitis, pneumonia and other inflammatory processes.
. The main function of platelets is to participate in... The normal concentration is 180-320×109/l. Low concentration usually observed with hemolytic disease, and high – with, polycythemia, tuberculosis, etc.
Hematocrit This percentage blood cells to plasma volume. Normal value for women it is 36-42%, and for men it is within 40-45%. A decrease in hematocrit can occur with some autoimmune and infectious diseases.
Neutrophils. Cells that neutralize foreign microorganisms. They should be no more than 70% in the blood. An increase in neutrophils indicates purulent and inflammatory diseases in organism.
. This is an indicator of the level of proteins in the blood plasma. The norm for women is 20 mm/h, and for men – 15 mm/h. A decrease occurs with hyperbilirubinemia, erythremia, and an increase in bile acids in the body. An indicator above the norm indicates inflammatory and infectious processes, diseases of the liver, kidneys, disruption of the endocrine system, etc.
. Subtype of leukocytes that perform protective function. Normally, the content is in the range of 1-4.5 × 109/l. If the cell content is below normal, then the person may develop autoimmune diseases, pneumonia, etc. High concentration observed when viral diseases, tuberculosis, thyrotoxicosis, etc.
Color index. This is the relative concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. Normally, the value should be in the range of 0.85-1.15%. A color value below normal indicates anemia, and above normal indicates folic acid deficiency or polyposis.

You can learn more about the finger prick blood test from the video:

It should be remembered that it is impossible to make a final diagnosis only by general analysis. The information content of this method is useful for further examination of the patient. Any deviations from the norm cannot be ignored.

A finger prick blood test is carried out not only to identify any diseases, but also for preventive purposes. Timely examination makes it possible to identify pathology in initial stage and avoid possible complications.

Blood test is the most common diagnostic procedure. It is carried out at absolutely any age, within comprehensive examination. An analysis in which blood is taken from a finger is called a general test. In order for the result to be most reliable, the main principles of preparation and implementation of the procedure should be observed.

Why is blood taken from a finger?

What does a general blood test show? As a result, the study determines the number of certain types of blood cells. This is necessary for diagnosing various diseases.

The main functions of general analysis include:

Hemoglobin level measurement;
Platelet count;
Determination of blood clotting abnormalities;
Determination of the number of monocytes and lymphocytes;
Measurement of the number of neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils;

The results obtained help determine the development of diseases such as:

Anemia;
Bone marrow diseases;
Infectious or inflammatory diseases;
Development of an allergic reaction;
Diabetes;
Cardiovascular diseases;

How to prepare properly?

The analysis will show a reliable result only if you prepare for it correctly. Is blood donated on an empty stomach or not? Treatment rooms in government institutions They work strictly in the morning. You cannot have breakfast before taking blood. In private clinics you can donate blood at any time.

The main principles of preparing for blood collection are as follows:

The day before, he recommends avoiding foods rich in fat;
1-2 days before donating blood, you should not drink alcohol;
Immediately before visiting the treatment room, you should refrain from smoking;
Recommended to avoid stressful situations and physical activity the day before;

Types of blood sampling instruments

It is advisable to first find out how blood is taken for research. The degree of pain depends on the device for drawing blood. This function is performed by a scarifier for drawing blood. It is a thin steel plate with a pointed end. During the procedure, a puncture is made on the skin of the finger, through which blood flows out.

For children, a special device is provided that allows blood sampling to be done painlessly. It is called a lancet. The piercer is a special needle placed in a certain way, providing uniform pressure on the skin. Using the lancet is quite simple. The device works by contacting the skin or pressing a special button.

Drawing blood from infants also does not cause any difficulties.. For this purpose, you can use the Komarik kit for painless delivery. The set comes with 4 disposable needles. The mechanism of the device allows you to pierce with a needle without pain so that the child does not understand anything.

The advantages of a lancet over a scarifier are as follows:

Quick to use;
The possibility of hematomas at the puncture site is excluded;
No pain;
Can be used at home;
The appearance of the device does not cause emotional stress, which contributes to obtaining reliable results;

Procedure implementation process

To obtain the most reliable results, the puncture technique must be followed. Blood donation is carried out in a specially equipped sterile room. It is important to pay attention to the instrument used to prick when drawing blood. It should be disinfected.

The following items are required:

Alcohol or other antiseptic;
Piercing needles or scarifier;
Glass for taking a smear;
Iodine tincture;
Ether;

The procedure algorithm is as follows:

The upper phalanx of the ring finger of the left hand is treated with an antiseptic;
The tool is directed strictly from the side, at an angle;
The next step is to pierce the finger. When a drop of blood appears on the surface of the skin, it is removed with a sterile swab;
A second drop of blood is used for the study;
The blood collection method involves making smears. For this purpose, sterile glasses are used;

Which finger is best to take blood from?

Why is it common to take blood from the ring finger? The choice is due to the fact that this finger carries less physical activity. Injury to the damaged area of skin is unlikely. You can also take blood from the middle or index finger. This is practiced if plasma donation is carried out on a regular basis.

Any damage skin can lead to the spread of infection. Anatomical location of the index, middle and ring finger eliminates the possibility of infection spreading to the hand due to the presence of an internal partition. Infection from the little finger or thumb spreads faster.

What is the difference between venous blood sampling and capillary blood sampling?

Why implement venous sampling blood, if capillary blood is donated much easier? Venous blood analysis is more detailed. Even externally, there are significant differences between capillary and venous blood. The first is quite light, and the blood from the vein is dark. In laboratory conditions, it is much easier to work with a venous blood sample.

What is detailed analysis?

A comprehensive blood test is called a biochemical blood test. Blood taken from a vein is examined. It is prescribed when clinical analysis does not provide enough necessary information.

The advantages of this type of analysis are as follows:

Accurate diagnosis of the disease;
Possibility of determining the level of vitamins in the body;
The ability to identify the disease at the initial stage, in the absence of characteristic symptoms;

Video: Biochemical blood test - interpretation, table and norm

Despite the fact that the general analysis shows less information, it also has its advantages.

These include the following:

High speed of the procedure;
Only pierce the skin surface. The depth of the wound does not exceed 3 mm;
The fence rules are much easier to follow. This increases the reliability of the result;
Capillary biomaterial is tested much faster than venous blood;
In private clinics, the price for a general analysis is lower than the cost of a biochemical analysis;

Where to submit?

Doubts regarding your health sooner or later make you wonder how and where to take a general blood test. Answer to this question depends on the patient's requirements and capabilities.

There are three possible options:

State clinic;
Private clinic;
Departure medical personnel on house;

In the first case, the diagnostic procedure is carried out within the framework health insurance. Analysis is absolutely free. The disadvantages of donating blood at a government institution include long queues and the procedure being carried out at a strictly fixed time. It takes more time to examine a blood sample, which cannot be said about private clinics.

You can take the test at a paid institution at any convenient time. Main condition– do not eat for more than 3 hours. It costs more to have a medical professional visit your home. The advantages of the service include the absence of the need to leave the walls of the house, which is especially important if the patient is seriously ill.

Analysis results

You can find out how much analysis is done immediately before donating blood. Typically the duration of the study is from 5 to 7 days. In private clinics, the result is ready within 3-5 days after the collection procedure.

Having received bad results, you should remember the following:

The possibility of error should not be excluded;
The reliability of the result depends on how correctly the medical worker takes the blood;
Violation of the rules for preparing for analysis leads to an incorrect result;
Before the procedure, do not rub your fingers. Ultimately, the result will include increased white blood cell counts;

The results are interpreted by the attending physician. Self-medication is strictly prohibited.

General blood test norms

As a result of the analysis, data on the following parameters are presented:

Hemoglobin;
Red blood cells;
Reticulocytes;
Platelets;
Leukocytes;
Monocytes;
Lymphocytes;
Granulocytes;
Color index;

A person who has passed the general analysis has a question: what outcome should be feared.

About availability serious illnesses the following situations are said:

Fall in hemoglobin level;
Increase in ESR;
Increased white blood cell count;
Reduction of red blood cells;

No medical examination is complete without accompanying laboratory tests. To test blood from a finger, a small biological sample is enough. Standard medical tests general can be done in any laboratory. These tests can reveal abnormalities in the functioning of organs and systems human body. Any illness or inflammatory process has an effect on the circulatory and hematopoietic systems, which is why a finger prick blood test is often called the first stage of diagnosis.

Preparing to donate blood

Taking blood from a finger is one of the simplest medical procedures. Usually everything lab tests surrender early in the morning on an empty stomach. Why is blood taken on an empty stomach? Because this substance moves along circulatory system and is in contact with all organs, reflecting their normal functioning. Food, especially rich, fatty or fried food, puts additional strain on gastrointestinal tract, liver, etc. As a result of food processing and absorption nutrients internal organs changes and chemical composition blood. Doctors recommend taking blood from a finger on an empty stomach, in the morning, to obtain the most reliable result.

The optimal time to visit the laboratory is from 7 to 11 am. In the evening, it is advisable not to overeat for dinner, and not to abuse smoked meats and fast food; in the morning you can only drink plain clean water. Tea, coffee and a light breakfast are available after donating blood. In some cases, the laboratory performs a finger prick blood test at any time. If the doctor suspects the patient serious violation(inflammation of appendicitis, acute attack pancreatitis, etc.) you cannot postpone the test and wait until the morning.

Before donating blood from your finger, it is recommended not to overwork or overstrain the body. It is better to postpone sports, fitness or swimming for a couple of days. Just as it is not recommended to allow physical overload, one should also not allow severe stress or excitement. Psychological and emotional shocks can cause sudden jump leukocytes and other blood parameters.

The doctor gives general recommendations so that the patient knows how to take tests correctly. Neglecting these recommendations may result in incorrect test results and may show a temporary deviation from the norm for some indicators. In this case, blood is taken from the patient's finger again.

How is the analysis carried out?

You can often hear, especially from the youngest patients: “I’m afraid to donate blood from my finger.” It's actually very simple procedure which won't take much time. You can donate blood at a local clinic or commercial establishment. In a laboratory equipped with last word technology and providing paid services, the accuracy of the research can be higher due to the minimal influence of the human factor on the blood sample. The cost of the service includes the disposable instruments necessary for the test and you don’t have to worry about infection.

In government agencies, such conditions may not be available and you may have to purchase a disposable sterile scarifier yourself.

Why is blood taken from the ring finger? This is not an accident, but a logical rule for collecting a biosample. On the ring finger, unlike the index and middle fingers, the skin is thinner and it is easier to puncture. Plus it has less pain receptors, which makes it possible to take a blood sample from a finger without pain. The little finger is directly related to the function of the wrist and damage to it can extend to the movement of the joint. Therefore, blood is taken from the ring finger.

The finger is rubbing cotton swab, soaked in alcohol or a special disinfectant solution. A scarifier (a special needle for piercing) is used sterile, now disposable devices are used. After the puncture, the first drop is removed with a cotton swab and blood sampling begins. Why take several samples at once? If an extensive study is being conducted, several parameters need to be examined. The first sample is used to determine the ESR, and slide smears are used to examine the sample under a microscope.

Main research indicators

What does a general analysis show and why do doctors pay so much attention to it? In fact, as a result of an extended study of capillary blood, a number of indicators are indicated, each of which corresponds to an established norm, taking into account the gender and age of the patient. Based on the data obtained, the attending physician can obtain information about the patient's health status.

A general blood test from a finger prick may not provide enough information to make a diagnosis. This medical research indicates the direction to search for the disease. For example, if it is observed increased rate hemoglobin, the doctor may suspect a malfunction of cardio-vascular system and order additional tests. Often minor deviations from the norm are explained by the patient’s overwork or anxiety, so the results should be deciphered by a qualified doctor.