Special Handling Instructions

Mix well to avoid clot formation. Send specimen in original tube.
Instructions for capillary collection:
 *Wash thoroughly the hand, foot with soap and water and dry with a clean low lint towel.
 *If water is not available, the skin may be cleansed using foaming soaps or alcohol prep pads.
 *The finger/heel to be punctured must be free of any visible infection or wounds, and the area should be massaged to increase blood flow prior to collection.
 *Do not allow the cleansed area to touch any articles of clothing or non-cleansed skin areas prior to sample collection.
 *Lance the skin area using routine capillary collection techniques, and remove the frist droplet of blood using a gauze pad or other sterile blotting material. Do not wipe

 *Blood which runs down the finger around the fingernail is not
  usable for collection.