Which blood draw method is preferred for obtaining small samples?

The preferred method for obtaining small blood samples is capillary puncture. This technique is ideal for situations where only a minimal amount of blood is needed, such as in pediatric patients or for specific point-of-care testing. During capillary puncture, blood is collected from the capillaries, typically using a lancet to puncture the skin. This method is less invasive and often more comfortable for patients, especially infants or those who may not tolerate a larger needle for venipuncture.

Capillary puncture allows for quick collection and is often sufficient for tests like glucose levels or hemoglobin concentrations, which do not require larger volumes of blood. The other methods mentioned, like venipuncture and arterial draw, involve collecting larger volumes of blood and are not as suitable for scenarios requiring only a small sample. Vacuum tube collection is also designed for larger specimen volumes and is performed on larger veins, making it impractical for small sample requirements.