Which patient group is most likely to benefit from capillary blood collection?

Capillary blood collection is particularly beneficial for newborn and geriatric patients due to their unique physiological characteristics. Newborns, especially neonates, often have small blood volumes and fragile veins that make venipuncture challenging and may cause discomfort. Capillary samples can be obtained from the heel or finger, minimizing trauma and reducing the risk of complications.

Similarly, geriatric patients may also have fragile veins due to aging, along with potential challenges such as skin thinning or the presence of chronic conditions that complicate blood draws. Capillary collection allows for a less invasive approach while still providing enough blood for necessary testing.

Other patient groups listed may not find capillary blood collection as advantageous. For instance, patients undergoing major surgery typically need larger volumes of blood for tests, and venipuncture is more suitable in those cases. Patients with chronic illnesses may require frequent monitoring and larger volumes of blood, making venipuncture a more reliable option. Lastly, patients requiring long-term blood samples usually necessitate venous access to ensure consistent and sufficient blood collection over time.

In essence, the unique needs of newborns and geriatric patients make capillary blood collection a preferred method for sample collection in these groups, ensuring a balance between effective testing and