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WIC Anthropometrics and Laboratory Guidance 8

HemoCue™ Capillary Sampling Procedure The following procedure for capillary sampling should be followed when obtaining hemoglobin. 1. Have all items ready for blood collection. 2. Place all collection materials on top of disposable pad. Once the patient is seated comfortably, open the lancet, alcohol swabs, gauze, bandage, and other items. 3. Put on exam gloves. 4. The patient should be seated. Make sure the hand is warm and relaxed. 5. Use only the middle or ring finger. Note: Avoid fingers with rings on. 6. Clean the fingertip (puncture site) with alcohol. 7. Wipe the alcohol off with a dry, lint-free wipe or allow to air dry completely. 8. Prior to puncture, “prime” the fingertip by applying pressure at the upper joint with the thumb, using a rolling motion towards the tip of the finger. Do not “milk” the finger, i.e. sliding your thumb from the palm of the hand towards the puncture site. 9. Apply pressure with your thumb at the upper joint and place your index finger on the side of the patient’s finger, in a position that will allow you to gently squeeze. 10. Position the lancet off center (at the side) of the fingertip and press the lancet firmly against the finger; puncture the finger using the lancet. 11. Release your thumb pressure after removing the lancet to allow blood flow. 12. Apply gentle pressure to extrude a large drop of blood. 13. Prime the fingertip by applying pressure at the upper joint with your thumb and rock the thumb. 14. Wipe the first 2 or 3 drops of blood with the lint free wipe/gauze. 15. Re-apply light pressure towards the fingertip until another drop of blood appears. 16. Insert the tip of the microcuvette into a large drop of blood and hold the microcuvette until the entire “teardrop” shaped cavity is filled with blood. Note: If the microcuvette is not completely filled, discard and use a new microcuvette. DO NOT add blood to a partially filled microcuvette. 17. Wipe away excess from the outer surfaces of the microcuvette with a lint-free wipe. Do not touch the open end of the microcuvette. 18. Look for air bubbles in the filled microcuvette. If present, discard the microcuvette and fill a new microcuvette from a new drop of blood. Small bubbles around the edge cannot be ignored. 19. Place filled microcuvette into the Hemocue device. Wait for the hemoglobin value to display. 20. Dispose of microcuvette, lancet, and other biohazardous material according to protocol. 21. Enter result in Crossroads.