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A comparison between haematological parameters in 'capillary' and venous blood samples from hospitalized children
L N Daae1, M Hallerud, S Halvorsen
1Department of Clinical Chemistry, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Insights
Capillary blood collection in children showed similar platelet counts but higher red blood cell and white blood cell counts compared to venous samples. These hematological differences may impact clinical interpretations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Accurate blood sample analysis is crucial for pediatric patient diagnosis and monitoring.
- Understanding pre-analytical variables, such as collection site, is essential for reliable hematological results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare hematological parameters obtained from capillary (finger-prick) versus venous (antecubital vein) blood samples in hospitalized children.
- To assess the clinical significance of any observed differences in blood counts.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous EDTA-blood samples were collected from the antecubital vein and fingertip of 16 hospitalized children (aged 3 months to 14 years).
- Hematological measurements were performed using an Ortho ELT 800/WS analyzer.
- Thrombocyte count, red cell indices, erythrocyte count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and total leukocyte count were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Thrombocyte counts and red cell indices were nearly identical between capillary and venous samples.
- Capillary erythrocyte count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were approximately 2% higher than venous values.
- Mean capillary total leukocyte count was about 20% higher than venous values, with no significant change in relative cell frequencies.
Conclusions:
- While thrombocyte and red cell parameters show minimal variation, leukocyte counts are significantly higher in capillary blood compared to venous blood in children.
- These hematological differences, particularly in leukocyte counts, may have clinical implications in certain pediatric settings.
- Further investigation into the causes of these discrepancies is warranted.
Abstract:
In 16 hospitalized children aged 3 months to 14 years EDTA-blood samples were taken simultaneously from an anticubital vein and from a finger tip. Haematological measurements were subsequently performed in an Ortho ELT 800/WS analyzer. The thrombocyte count and the red cell indices were nearly identical in the two sets of samples. The 'capillary' erythrocyte count, haematocrit and haemoglobin values exceeded those of venous blood by 2%, and the mean 'capillary' total leukocyte count by about 20%. The relative frequency of lymphocytes, granulocytes and mononuclear cells did not alter between the two sets of samples. The significant differences demonstrated may in certain clinical settings be of medical importance. Their possible explanations are discussed.