Pain and feasibility of capillary self-blood collection in general practice: A cross-sectional investigative study.

Abstract

Background: Capillary self-blood collection (SBC) with mailed samples enables remote laboratory monitoring without in-person healthcare visits. This approach may improve continuity of care for patients, especially with chronic conditions.

Objectives: Compare pain perception between venous blood draws and capillary SBC and evaluate the usability and blood volume yield of SBC devices.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, general practice patients from mid of Germany, Germany performed SBC using the Tasso+^® upper-arm device and mailed samples to a laboratory. Pain, usability, SBC volume, and associated factors were analysed using bivariate and general linear models.

Results: Of 106 patients, 57.5% performed SBC without assistance. Self-perceived pain was lower among SBC draws (0.13, SD = 0.42) versus venous draws (1.21, SD = 1.60) (p < .001). 59.4% self-collected ≥130 μL blood plasma. Patient characteristics were not associated with SBC volume in regression analysis. Overall, the mean System Usability Scale (SUS) score was 86.2, indicating high usability. Lower school education was associated with lower usability scores, while lower fear of blood and needles were associated with higher usability scores in regression analysis.

Conclusions: Capillary SBC had high feasibility and usability and caused less pain than venous draws in the general practice setting. SBC shows promises for enabling remote laboratory monitoring.