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Lead Poisoning / Trace Elements Laboratory

Lead Poisoning / Trace Elements

Fingerstick Collection Protocol

  1. Fill out completely one Lead Poisoning Test Requisition form in black ink for each patient.
  2. Open all equipment before holding the patient's hand. Switch lavender plug from top of microtainer to the bottom and replace with Flo Top Collector.
  3. Wash, rinse, and dry the patient's hand; wrap in paper towel.
  4. Scrub the middle or ring finger with an alcohol pad.
  5. Blot the sampling area once with a dry gauze pad and massage hand to increase blood flow.
  6. Puncture the side of the finger with a sterile lancet. Be sure to get a good stick.

    Fingerstick Collection Step 6
    Step 6

    • Immediately turn the patient's hand over so that the blood drop forms toward the floor. (Gently massaging the finger will promote better blood flow.)
  7. Absorb the first drop of blood with the corner of gauze pad. (Do not wipe).

    Fingerstick Collection Step 7
    Step 7

  8. Hold Microtainer Tube with Flo Top Collector vent hole in upward position.

    Fingerstick Collection Step 7
    Step 8

  9. Allow blood drops to fall into the Flo Top Collector. Blood should flow freely through the Flo Top Collector and down the tube. To maintain blood flow, gently massage finger.

    Fingerstick Collection Step 9
    Step 9

  10. Fill tube to desired level (minimum of 200 uL and maximum of 500 uL).

    Fingerstick Collection Step 10
    Step 10

  11. Remove Flo Top Collector with a Kimwipe and replace lavender cap. Treat Flo Top Collector as medical waste and discard in proper container. Place used lancets in puncture proof container.
  12. Invert the tube several times to ensure adequate mixing of blood and the anticoagulant EDTA.
  13. Write the patient's last name on the Microtainer. Place the tube in black Tulox tube and label with patient's name.
  14. Place black Tulox tubes inside plastic Zip-Loc bag with biohazard warning label.
  15. Place inside the micromailer to reduce exposure to light. Include Lead Poisoning Test Requisition form. No more that five patient specimens per micromailer. Mail blood specimens as soon as possible to the Wadsworth Center Lead Poisoning Laboratory.

Disclaimer

Use of product names are for informational purposes only and do not imply an endosement by the New York State Department of Health.

Capillary Blood Sampling Protocol

A more detailed Capillary Blood Sampling Protocol is available from the CDC as a downloadable PDF document.