What is a blood collection card?

What is a blood collection card?

Blood collection cards, also called blood sample collection cards, blood collection cards, etc., are tools specifically used to collect, store and transport blood samples. They are widely used in clinical diagnosis, disease screening, genetic testing and other fields. The following is a detailed introduction for you:

Structure and material: Blood collection cards are usually made of special filter paper or fiber materials. These materials have good water absorption and water retention, and can quickly absorb blood samples and fix them on the card. At the same time, the material must be chemically inert and will not react with blood components to ensure the stability of the sample and the accuracy of the test results. The card is generally rectangular with a specific sample collection area on it, and some will also be marked with sample numbers, patient information and other identification areas.

How to use: When collecting blood, first disinfect the blood collection site with alcohol or other disinfectants, and then use a disposable blood collection needle for puncture and blood collection. Drop the collected blood on the sample collection area of ​​the blood collection card to make it evenly penetrate and cover the entire area. After the blood is completely dry, put the card in a sealed bag or special container, mark it, and then store or transport it.

Working principle: The working principle of the blood collection card is based on its special material and structure. When blood drips on the card, the filter paper or fiber material will quickly absorb the blood, so that the blood cells and plasma components are evenly distributed between the fibers of the card. The dried blood sample can be stored for a long time at room temperature, because the dry environment can inhibit the growth and metabolism of microorganisms and slow down the degradation rate of blood components. At the same time, biological molecules such as DNA and protein in the blood can also remain stable for a certain period of time, which is convenient for subsequent detection and analysis.

Advantages: The blood collection card has the advantages of simple operation, small sample requirement, easy storage and transportation. Compared with traditional blood collection methods (such as blood collection with blood collection tubes), it does not require complex cold chain transportation and storage conditions, which greatly reduces the cost and difficulty of sample storage and transportation. In addition, due to its small sample size, it is more convenient and safer for special populations such as infants, young children, and the elderly.

Application scenarios: In neonatal disease screening, medical staff will collect a small amount of heel blood shortly after the birth of the newborn and drop it on a blood collection card for the detection of congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria and other genetic metabolic diseases; blood collection cards also play an important role in the screening and diagnosis of infectious diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis B and hepatitis C; in the field of forensic medicine, blood collection cards can be used to collect blood samples at the crime scene, and perform individual identification and paternity testing through DNA analysis.