McKesson Consult - Venous Blood Sampling

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REPEAT TESTING
Be careful to apply the procedure described in step 1-6 correctly when collecting capillary blood for
hemoglobin measurements.
The most common causes for erroneous results are the choice of an unsuitable size or type of lancet,
incorrect capillary sampling technique, restricted capillary blood flow, or the presence of tissue fluid in the
sample after pressing the fingertip too hard.
These factors commonly affect the result. Confirmation of an unexpected or unacceptable result can exclude
sampling mistakes as the cause. As the Consult
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Hemoglobin testing method is very fast, this confirmatory
test can preferably be done using the same incision. Further drops following the 4th drop may be used for
testing as long as there is still a free flow of blood.
If the blood flow has decreased or stopped, another incision should be made for the confirming sample.
Repeat the procedure described in steps 1-6 and record all results from repeated sampling, including
relevant information about the reason for retesting.
7.2 VENOUS SAMPLING
If a venous sample cannot be run immediately, it may be refrigerated up to 72 hours. If the blood is
refrigerated, then the blood should be allowed to reach room temperature before testing. K2EDTA or lithium
heparin tubes may be used.
With gloved hands, take a Consult
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Hemoglobin Cuvette out of the foil bag and close the bag.
1. Make sure the sample is at room temperature before testing. Mix the tube by gentle inversion at
least 8 times.
2. Place a drop of blood on to a hydrophobic surface (e.g. Parafilm) using a commercially available
transfer pipette or DIFF-SAFE
®
Blood Dispenser.
3. Fill the cuvette completely by touching the corner of the cuvette to the blood drop. Do not refill
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CONSULT
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HEMOGLOBIN TESTING SYSTEM USER MANUAL