Fingerstick Training

1
Fingerstick Training

• Ellen Bloom, MPH
• Indiana Lead and Healthy Homes Program
• Indiana State Department of Health

2
Avoiding Contamination

• Lead is everywhere in the environment
• There is a high potential for lead contamination
  of capillary specimens
• Lead equipment should not be used for other tests
• All lead equipment should be kept in a dust-proof
  supply container

3
Supplies

• Paper towels
• Anti-bacterial soap
• Alcohol wipes
• Gauze
• Lancets
• Filter paper
• Adhesive bandages
• Ziploc bags

4
Preparation

• After washing childs hands, dry with paper towel
  from dust-proof supply box
• Hands of small children should be held at the
  wrist to prevent contamination
• Implement Universal Precautions
• Use powder-free gloves
• Cover collection site with paper towel from
  dust-proof supply box

5
Preparation

• Scrub draw site with alcohol pad and allow to air
  dry for 30 seconds. Do not rub dry.
• Massaging and warming the site may be helpful

6
Collection

• Choose a draw site that will not be contaminated
  by blood flow under a fingernail
• Make a quick, firm, deep puncture
• After puncturing, wipe off the first drop of
  blood with sterile gauze
• Keep the draw site lower than the childs heart
• Massage may be helpful, but avoid squeezing near
  the draw site

7
Contact Information

• Ellen Bloom, MPH
• Health Educator
• Indiana State Department of Health
• Lead and Healthy Homes Program
• 2 N. Meridian 5J
• Indianapolis, IN 46204
• 317-233-1290
• ebloom2_at_isdh.in.gov