What is an important characteristic of capillary blood collection?

Capillary blood collection is particularly useful when obtaining blood from infants, and one of its significant advantages is its safety and reduced risk of complications compared to other methods. Infants have smaller veins and may not tolerate venipuncture well, which can lead to increased risk of injury or complications. Capillary blood collection involves pricking the skin (usually on the heel or finger) and is less invasive, making it a suitable option for routine blood tests in neonates and infants.

This method minimizes discomfort and can be performed quickly with minimal training required, given that it’s a standard practice in pediatric care. The small volume of blood collected through capillary sampling is sufficient for many common tests, further supporting its use in younger patients.