Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine whether the Hem-Col method of obtaining and storing blood is an acceptable alternative to venepuncture for measuring Diabetes Care parameters. Design and methods: Hem-Col is a novel blood collection device that is designed to collect capillary blood drawn with a finger prick. Hem-Col is a microtube containing an anticoagulant and a preservation buffer to enhance analyte stability in whole blood. The Diabetes Care parameters cholesterol, creatinine, HbA1c, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured both in blood/plasma collected via Hem-Col and blood/plasma collected with venepuncture. The results were compared to assess the agreement between the two methods. Results: HbA1c shows agreement after storage for up to 120 hours at temperatures ranging from 4 to 37 °C. Cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and creatinine can be measured after 120 hours of storage in Hem-Col buffer, if high temperatures are avoided, and with the use of correction factors or adaptations to reported reference intervals. Conclusion: Hem-Col is suitable for the measurement of HbA1c after storage for up to 120 hours at temperatures ranging from 4 to 37 °C. Cholesterol, creatinine, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides can be measured after 120 hours of storage in Hem-Col buffer, if high temperatures are avoided. Further studies are required to determine whether Hem-Col can replace the venepuncture for the Diabetes Care parameters.
Highlights
Self-management in healthcare is becoming increasingly important, especially for chronic care patients
In this study we investigated the novel blood collection device Hem-Col®, which is designed to collect capillary blood drawn with a finger prick
The aim of this study was to determine whether the Hem-Col method of obtaining and storing blood is an acceptable alternative to venepuncture for measuring the Diabetes Care parameters cholesterol, creatinine, Haemoglobin fraction A1c (HbA1c), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides
Summary
Self-management in healthcare is becoming increasingly important, especially for chronic care patients. Self-management and patient empowerment can lead to cost reduction, improved patient independence, and better healthcare outcomes [1,2]. Patients with Diabetes Mellitus comprise a significant portion of chronic care patients, and diabetes prevalence is increasing worldwide [3]. Like kidney impairment and peripheral neuropathy, can be partly explained by ineffective or suboptimal disease management [4]. Streamlining and simplifying disease management could help to improve health outcomes within this patient group. Chronic care patients undergo regular doctor’s visits and blood draws for laboratory testing to manage their chronic disease.
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