In medical practice, a general blood test from a finger or vein is often used to assess the patient's condition and more correctly determine the diagnosis. Currently, two methods of blood sampling from the human body are used: capillary and venous. The capillary method of blood sampling means that blood is taken from the fingertip, most often the ring finger. Venous - from a vein. The difference in blood from a finger or from a vein is that venous blood is more valuable for analysis. It contains a much larger number of different components in its composition. Based on this, we can conclude that a blood test from a vein is more accurate.
Where is a finger blood test used
In the case when blood is taken from the finger, it is used for general analysis (clinical). This type of study is performed only on the components that enter the blood: red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells and platelets. Most often, such an analysis is prescribed to undergo a medical commission, obtain certificates, as well as for general monitoring of the state of the human body. It is always prescribed to people who first contacted a medical specialist for prescribing treatment or for consultation.
Where vein analysis is used
In a situation with blood from a vein, everything is a little different. Due to the fact that venous blood is superior in composition to biological fluid from the finger, its analysis can reveal various diseases and infections. When examining blood from a finger, they cannot be determined.
Venous blood can be used for the following types of tests:
- Biochemical.
- On drugs.
- On hormones.
- Identification of infectious agents that cause disease.
- Diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases.
What diseases does the analysis reveal
Also, a venous blood test can detect diseases in the initial stage, such as:
- Anemia.
- Leukemia
- Dehydration
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Thrombophlebitis.
- Oxygen deficiency.
- Allergy.
- Impaired renal function.
- Problems with the cardiovascular system.
- Decreased protective function of the immune system.
Another major difference between blood sampling from a vein and blood from a finger is the amount of material to be analyzed. Only a little blood can be obtained from the fingertip, and it is taken from a vein if several studies are prescribed for the patient. A much larger volume of material can be taken from a vein.
When a general blood test is prescribed
A blood test from a finger, or the so-called general blood test from a vein and blood from a finger, is a very popular and common type of diagnosis and prevention. Each process that occurs in the body, and especially the process of the development of the disease, leaves a noticeable mark in the chemical composition of the blood. Since the analysis reflects all the specific processes in the body, this is one of the most affordable, fast and accurate methods for obtaining information about the state of the body.
Also, a clinical blood test from a finger or a vein is a mandatory procedure for a medical examination or a routine medical examination. The doctor should prescribe an analysis before starting treatment for a particular disease. This is mandatory because, for example, in case of insufficient platelet concentration, anticoagulants cannot be prescribed. This can lead to bleeding in the internal cavity of the body.
Blood sampling process and preparation for the test
In the general analysis of blood from a vein and blood from a finger, biomaterial is taken from the finger. Before starting the procedure, one of the fingers on the left hand must be lubricated with a solution containing alcohol. This is necessary for disinfection. When the surface is disinfected, a quick movement makes an incision in the skin with a depth of not more than 3 mm. When blood appears on the surface of the pillow, they begin to collect it with a special pipette, and then pour it into a medical flask. A small part of the blood is smeared on a special piece of laboratory glass. General analysis is the simplest procedure that does not require special preparation. But in some cases, doctors recommend taking the biomaterial on an empty stomach to maximize the elimination of factors that may affect the result of the study. In the case when a blood test from a vein and blood from a finger needs to be performed several times in a short period of time, blood sampling should be carried out at the same time, in the same conditions.
Indicators in the overall analysis
After taking blood from a vein and finger and conducting a study, the patient is given a paper that contains information about the components contained in the blood. So, among the indicators can be indicated:
- Hemoglobin is the most important indicator of a general blood test. Hemoglobin plays an almost key role in the respiratory process. With its help, oxygen is transmitted throughout the body. Oxygen provides vital energy to every cell, and also frees from carbon dioxide, transporting it back to the lungs.
- Red blood cells are red cells or bodies that are the most numerous in comparison with other components. The functions of red blood cells are almost identical to those of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin, being inside the cells, moves through the body with the help of red blood cells.
- Color indicator - this indicator has close ties with the indicators listed above. The color indicator displays the degree of saturation of red blood cells with hemoglobin.
- Reticulocytes are “embryo” cells of red blood cells. That is, reticulocytes are young red blood cells, which, under the influence of a special hormone, can turn into an adult model of red blood cells. In any body, there is a certain supply of reticulocytes, created so that in the event of the disappearance of red blood cells, they could replace them.
- Platelets are a component of the blood that is responsible for coagulation.
- Thrombocyte is an indicator of the ratio of the total blood volume in the body to the number of platelets in it.
- ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The indicator reflecting the ratio of protein fractions of blood plasma.
- White blood cells are white blood cells. They protect the body from infections and allergens. They also play the role of blood purifiers from cell breakdown products.
- Leukocyte formula - a parameter that is responsible for the concentration of all five types of white blood cells in the blood. It especially reflects the number of neutrophils and monocytes, it is these cells that capture microorganisms that can harm the body.
- Plasma cells - they provide the body's response to inflammatory processes. Thanks to them, antibodies begin to be produced. These cells are a form of B-lymphocytes. This means that when bacteria or viruses enter the body, the lymphocyte transforms into a plasma cell, which, in turn, produces immunoglobulin.
Preparation for blood sampling from a vein
Taking a blood test from a vein requires a certain algorithm of action for preparation. The following factors may influence the accuracy of the results:
- Blood sampling time.
- Meal time.
- Diet.
- Smoking and alcohol.
- The use of medications.
- Physiotherapy.
- Exercise stress.
- Stress.
Rules for Submission of Analysis
If we talk about the general rules for passing the analysis, then they are as follows:
- To increase the efficiency and accuracy of the study, blood must be donated at 11 o’clock, on an empty stomach. Liquid intake in the form of still water is allowed.
- 12 hours before the analysis, you should not overeat, consume alcoholic and nicotine-containing products.
- It is not recommended to use spicy, fatty and salty.
- Pass strictly before the start of physiotherapy and another type of treatment.
- Stop taking drugs for the period of blood donation.
With a second study, surrender should be carried out in the same conditions and at the same time. This is due to the fact that research results may vary depending on the medical institution and the sampling methodology.
The method of blood sampling from a vein
Taking blood from a vein requires strict sterility. As well as the exact execution of the algorithm. The blood sampling algorithm is as follows:
- It is necessary to prepare a container for the material and laboratory direction. Mark the container and indicate patient data. Enter data into the control and accounting system of the person who submitted the analysis.
- The patient is seated on a chair near the table where the analysis will be taken. Lock the arm, fully extended in the elbow, and turn the palm up. Put the elbow on the roller for the convenience of the patient.
- Put a tourniquet in the middle of the shoulder of the hand donating blood so that the pulse is felt on the wrist.
- Tell the patient to work energetically with his fist to fill the vein with blood, then squeeze his fingers tightly.
- Using a syringe or vacuum system, penetrate the ulnar vein by inserting the needle at an acute angle until it feels like it has fallen. Then point the needle parallel to the vessel wall. It is acceptable to use the veins of the hand or wrist to donate blood from a vein. It’s much easier to take biomaterial from a finger.
- Collect blood into a syringe or vacuum system.
- After the necessary amount of blood has been taken, cover the wound with a cotton ball soaked in an alcohol solution. The needle must be removed before this.
- The patient should bend the arm at the elbow to avoid bruising at the puncture site after.
Is the blood from the finger and vein different? Yes, different. Venous contains much more components than finger material.