Obtain and test capillary blood samples

This standard covers the collection of capillary blood samples using either manual or automated lancets, testing of the sample where this is required or sending it elsewhere for laboratory testing.

Samples may include those for blood sugar determination, haemoglobin levels and neonatal blood spot testing of the newborn.

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. confirm identity of the individual in accordance with organisational procedures
6. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
7. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
8. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with organisational procedures
9. apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control and any other relevant health and safety measures
10. select and prepare the site for obtaining the capillary blood sample in line with organisational procedures
11. obtain the required amount of blood of the required quality, using the selected materials and equipment in accordance with organisational procedure
12. take appropriate action to stimulate the flow of blood if there is a problem obtaining blood from the selected site, or choose an alternative site
13. apply pressure to the puncture site following completion to encourage closure and blood clotting
14. promptly identify any indication that the individual may be suffering any adverse reaction and take appropriate action
15. label the sample accurately and legibly in accordance with organisational procedures
16. place sample in the appropriate packaging with appropriate documentation and put in the appropriate place for transport or storage if required
17. ensure immediate transport of the sample to the relevant department when blood sampling and investigations are urgent
18. when appropriate, test the blood sample correctly using the appropriate method in line with organisational procedure
19. recognise and interpret results accurately or pass them onto an appropriate staff member for interpretation
20. ensure that the individual is informed if any further action is required
21. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual  
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
11. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
12. how to obtain positive confirmation of an individual's identity before starting the procedure
13. the importance of confidentiality and the measures taken to ensure it is appropriately maintained
14. the importance of applying standard precautions to obtaining and testing capillary blood samples **and the potential consequences of poor practice
15. how infection is spread and how its spread may be limited
16. the structure and purpose of capillary blood vessels
17. blood clotting processes and factors influencing blood clotting
18. the normal or expected results for particular tests and what constitutes an abnormal result
19. the different reasons for obtaining capillary blood samples
20. the concerns that individuals may have in relation to capillary blood sampling
21. the sites which can be used for capillary sampling and what the factors that need to be considered in selecting the best site to use including the individual's own preference
22. why it is important to clean the sites from which you will obtain samples, and the appropriate ways of doing this
23. the contra-indications which indicate that capillary sampling should be stopped and advice sought
24. what is likely to cause discomfort to individuals during and after the collection of capillary blood samples, and how such discomfort can be minimised
25. what can cause problems in obtaining capillary blood samples, what can be done to stimulate blood flow and when another site should be used
26. the common adverse reactions which individuals may have how to recognise them and action(s) to take
27. the equipment and materials needed for capillary blood sampling and testing
28. the sorts of equipment and materials which are sensitive to environmental changes and how this affects their storage and use
29. which equipment and instruments are re-usable and which must be discarded after one use
30. how and when to label samples
31. where the sample is to be sent for laboratory testing:
32. the importance of ensuring sites for capillary blood sampling are cleaned effectively, and how and when this should be done
33. the process and procedure for obtaining capillary blood samples, including the correct sequence of actions
34. the factors involved in the procedures which could affect the quality of the blood
35. the importance of collecting capillary blood samples of the right quality, and how to achieve this
36. the complications and problems may occur during the collection of capillary blood samples, how to recognise them and what action(s) to take
37. how to perform relevant tests of capillary blood samples
38. the information that needs to be recorded on labels and other documentation when sending capillary blood samples to the laboratory
39. the importance of completing labels and documentation clearly, legibly and accurately, and the possible consequences of confusing samples or incorrect labelling
40. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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2

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHCHS131

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Obtain, test, capillary, blood, samples

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