Proof-of-concept study: Remote capillary blood collection for hCG analysis in early pregnancy
Caroline M Joyce1, Paula M O'Shea2, Rebecca Lynch3
1Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College Cork, Ireland; INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
Summary
Capillary blood collection offers a reliable alternative to venous blood draws for monitoring human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) levels during early pregnancy. This method is user-friendly and preferred by patients, potentially improving diagnostic test compliance.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Capillary blood collection, traditionally used in diabetes management, is explored for pregnancy monitoring.
- Serial serum human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) measurements are crucial for early pregnancy management, often requiring frequent venepuncture.
- This study investigates capillary blood as a remote alternative to venous blood for hCG testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical performance of capillary blood samples for hCG measurement.
- To evaluate user acceptability of remote capillary blood collection for hCG monitoring.
- To compare capillary blood hCG results with traditional venous blood samples.
Main Methods:
- Participants undergoing early pregnancy assessment were invited to provide informed consent.
- Training was provided on using the Mini-Collect® device for capillary blood collection.
- Matched venous and capillary blood samples were collected, with participants also performing remote capillary collection via mail.
Main Results:
- 71 participants were enrolled; over a third collected capillary samples remotely.
- Excellent agreement (Spearman correlation r=0.999) and strong correlation were found between venous and capillary hCG measurements.
- 74% of remote capillary samples had sufficient volume, and 77% of users found the device easy to use.
Conclusions:
- Capillary blood is a viable and reliable alternative to venous blood for hCG measurement in early pregnancy monitoring.
- Remote capillary blood collection is acceptable to patients and may enhance compliance with diagnostic testing.
- This method offers a convenient alternative for frequent hCG monitoring, reducing hospital visits.
