Abstract
Home-based hospital services are becoming increasingly popular, and the addition of remote outpatient appointments after kidney transplantation facilitates more practical and closer follow-up. In this context, finger-prick self-sampling is an important aspect of monitoring of immunosuppressants and biomarkers. Nevertheless, several issues must be addressed to ensure the feasibility and quality when implementing microsampling in clinical practice. We summarize our experiences and opinions in this field. This article is based on the authors' experience regarding the laboratory and clinical implementation of finger-prick self-sampling in kidney transplant recipients. The referenced literature is related to the authors' knowledge in this field. We present considerations for the selection of relevant analytes, key characteristics of selected volumetric sampling tools (Mitra and Capitainer), and the associated sampling pitfalls. In addition, we address the requirements for patients performing finger-prick sampling, appropriate design of methods and workflow, critical points for validation, and aspects related to logistics and digital solutions. Volumetric finger-prick self-sampling is suitable for monitoring immunosuppressants and certain biomarkers that are relevant to outpatient follow-up after kidney transplantation. We believe that a carefully designed system for the entire workflow, including patient training, will be beneficial in enabling a safe experience for transplant recipients, as well as ensuring overall efficiency and adequate quality. In the future, a combination of immunosuppressants with a wide range of biomarkers has significant potential for use in at-home self-sampling after kidney transplantation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.