Fingerstick

 ( Blood Tests ) 

In medicine, some are conducted on capillary blood obtained by fingerstick (or fingerprick) (or, for neonates, by an analogous heelprick). The site, free of surface arterial flow, where the blood is to be collected is sterilized with a topical germicide, and the skin pierced with a sterile blood lancet. After a droplet has formed, capillary blood is captured in a capillary tube (usually relying on surface tension). Blood cells drawn from fingersticks have a tendency to undergo hemolysis, especially if the finger is "milked" to obtain more blood.

• Blood gas test – Fingerstick testing may be used for measuring blood gas tension values, blood pH, and the level and base excess of bicarbonate.
• Glucose levels – Diabetics often have a portable blood meter to check on their blood sugar.
• Lipid profile – Fingerstick testing may be used to find abnormalities in blood lipid (such as cholesterol and ) concentrations.
• Mononucleosis – Fingerstick testing can be used to test for mononucleosis.
• Hemoglobin levels – Fingerstick testing of hemoglobin is a quick screening procedure to ensure a blood or Blood plasma blood donation has an acceptably high blood count for blood donation.
• Genetic testing – Heelprick testing of a newborn's DNA allows for early diagnosis and mitigation of common hereditary disorders.
• CBC
• Prothrombin time

Fingersticks are routine for adults, but are generally performed on children and the elderly only if a small amount of blood suffices for needed tests. Neonates are given heelpricks instead, as this is less likely to cause permanent damage.

• Heelpricks, section "Blood collection on babies"