Comparing Blood Tests in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Kuniyoshi Yasutaka, Kimoto Takeru, Tokutake Haruka, Takahashi Natsuki, Kamura Azusa, Tashiro Makoto
Primary Institution: Tsugaruhoken Medical COOP Kensei Hospital
Hypothesis
This study aimed to assess the analytical accuracy of point-of-care testing for white blood cell and C-reactive protein using capillary samples compared with conventional laboratory testing using venous samples.
Conclusion
Point-of-care CRP testing via capillary sampling by finger prick demonstrated sufficient accuracy and may be a valuable tool for clinical decision making in pediatric outpatient settings.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean difference between capillary and venous measurements for WBC was -18×100/μL.
- The mean difference between capillary and venous measurements for CRP was -0.25 mg/dL.
- Capillary blood sampling is less painful and easier than venous blood sampling.
- The study included patients under 18 years with clinical signs of infection.
- The accuracy of POC testing for CRP was found to be clinically relevant.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a quick finger prick test to check for infections in kids, which is less painful than a regular blood draw and works well.
Methodology
This was a retrospective study including patients younger than 18 years who underwent concurrent WBC and CRP evaluations via capillary and subsequent venous sampling within a 2-h window.
Potential Biases
The timing of capillary and venous blood sample collection was not precisely concurrent, which may have influenced the results.
Limitations
The study's retrospective nature and potential selection bias due to the requirement of subsequent venous blood sampling may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The median age of participants was 1 year, with 52% being male.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% limits of agreement for WBC: -73 to 37; for CRP: -2.1 to 1.6
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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