Blood in finger. Blood Clots in Fingers: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
What are the signs of a blood clot in your finger. How can you treat a blood clot under your fingernail. Why do blood clots form in fingers. When should you seek medical attention for a finger blood clot.
Understanding Blood Clots: Formation and Types
Blood clotting is a natural and essential process that helps prevent excessive bleeding when we sustain an injury. However, abnormal blood clots can form inside blood vessels, potentially leading to serious health complications. These clots can occur anywhere in the body, including the fingers.
There are several types of blood clots:
- Thrombus (venous thrombus): A clot that forms in a vein
- Arterial clot: A clot that develops in an artery
- Superficial thrombophlebitis: A clot that forms in a vein just beneath the skin
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A clot that forms in a large, deep vein, typically in an arm or leg
- Embolus (thromboembolus): A clot that breaks off and travels through blood vessels
In the context of fingers, two specific types of blood clots are worth noting:
- Palmar digital vein thrombosis: A clot that forms on the palm side of the finger, usually near the middle joint
- Subungual hematoma: A clot that develops under the fingernail
Common Causes of Blood Clots in Fingers
Blood clots in fingers can occur due to various reasons. Understanding these causes can help in prevention and early detection.
Trauma-Induced Clots
Trauma to the finger is a common cause of blood clots. This can include:
- Heavy objects falling on the fingers
- Crush injuries, such as getting a finger caught in a car door
- Hand or finger surgery
- Wearing a ring that’s significantly too small
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of blood clots in fingers:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Kidney failure
These conditions can affect blood flow, potentially leading to clot formation.
Age-Related Factors
As we age, our risk of developing blood clots increases. This is partly due to changes in blood flow and vessel integrity that occur over time.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Finger Blood Clots
Identifying a blood clot in your finger can be challenging, as symptoms may be subtle. How can you tell if you have a blood clot in your finger? Look out for these signs:
- One or more firm, blue bumps on the palm side of the finger
- Pain, tenderness, or warmth in the affected area
- Redness or other color changes to the finger
- A finger that feels cold to the touch
A blood clot under the fingernail can range from mildly to severely painful. It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions, so professional medical evaluation is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosing Blood Clots in Fingers
If you suspect you have a blood clot in your finger, it’s essential to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can differentiate between a bruise and a clot, providing an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations.
Diagnostic Procedures
To diagnose a blood clot in the finger, a doctor may:
- Perform a physical examination of the affected finger
- Review your medical history and symptoms
- Order imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, if necessary
Treatment Options for Finger Blood Clots
The treatment for a blood clot in the finger depends on its severity and underlying cause. What are the most effective treatments for finger blood clots?
Conservative Management
For minor clots, conservative treatment may be sufficient:
- Rest and elevation of the affected hand
- Application of ice to reduce swelling
- Over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort
Medical Interventions
In more severe cases, medical treatments may include:
- Anticoagulant medications to prevent further clotting
- Thrombolytic therapy to dissolve existing clots
- Surgical intervention in rare, extreme cases
Potential Complications of Untreated Finger Blood Clots
While some blood clots in the finger may resolve on their own, leaving them untreated can lead to serious complications. Why is it important to address finger blood clots promptly?
Local Complications
Untreated blood clots in the finger can cause:
- Persistent pain and swelling
- Reduced mobility of the affected finger
- Tissue damage due to poor blood flow
- In severe cases, tissue death (necrosis)
Systemic Complications
Although rare, blood clots in the finger can potentially lead to more serious systemic issues:
- Pulmonary embolism: A clot that travels to the lungs
- Heart attack: If a clot reaches the coronary arteries
- Stroke: If a clot travels to the brain
These systemic complications are life-threatening emergencies that require immediate medical attention.
Risk Factors for Developing Blood Clots
Understanding the risk factors for blood clots can help in prevention and early detection. What factors increase the likelihood of developing blood clots?
- Age: Being over 40 increases the risk
- Weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor
- Medical conditions: Cancer, diabetes, and hypertension can increase clot risk
- Medications: Hormone therapy and certain birth control methods may elevate risk
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking and prolonged inactivity can contribute to clot formation
- Genetics: Some individuals have a hereditary predisposition to blood clots
- Pregnancy: Expectant mothers have a higher risk of clots
Preventing Blood Clots in Fingers and Beyond
While not all blood clots can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. How can you lower your chances of developing blood clots?
- Stay active: Regular exercise promotes healthy blood circulation
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases clot risk
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration helps prevent blood from thickening
- Avoid smoking: Tobacco use can damage blood vessels and increase clot risk
- Manage underlying conditions: Keep chronic health issues like diabetes and hypertension under control
- Be mindful of medications: Discuss clot risks with your doctor when starting new medications
- Protect your hands: Use proper safety equipment when engaging in activities that could injure your fingers
By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing blood clots, not just in your fingers but throughout your body.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Finger Blood Clots
Knowing when to seek medical help is crucial when dealing with potential blood clots in the finger. When should you consult a healthcare professional about a suspected finger blood clot?
- Persistent pain or swelling in the finger that doesn’t improve with home care
- Noticeable color changes in the affected finger, especially if it appears blue or extremely pale
- Numbness or tingling sensations in the finger
- Difficulty moving the affected finger
- Signs of infection, such as increased warmth, redness, or pus
- Any symptoms that worsen over time
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider promptly. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.
Emergency Situations
While finger blood clots are often localized issues, they can sometimes indicate more serious underlying conditions. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden, severe chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body
- Severe headache with no known cause
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
These symptoms could indicate that a clot has traveled to a vital organ, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Long-Term Management and Follow-Up Care
After receiving treatment for a blood clot in your finger, ongoing management and follow-up care are essential. What steps should you take for long-term care after a finger blood clot?
Follow-Up Appointments
Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are crucial to monitor your recovery and prevent recurrence. During these appointments, your doctor may:
- Assess the healing progress of the affected finger
- Adjust medications if necessary
- Recommend additional tests or treatments if needed
- Provide guidance on preventing future clots
Lifestyle Modifications
Your healthcare provider may recommend certain lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of future blood clots:
- Incorporating regular exercise into your routine
- Making dietary changes to support cardiovascular health
- Quitting smoking if you’re a smoker
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
Ongoing Monitoring
Depending on the underlying cause of your blood clot, you may need ongoing monitoring of certain health markers:
- Regular blood tests to check clotting factors
- Monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Periodic imaging tests to assess blood flow in the affected area
By following your healthcare provider’s recommendations and maintaining open communication about any new or recurring symptoms, you can effectively manage your health and reduce the risk of future blood clots.
Advances in Blood Clot Research and Treatment
The field of blood clot research and treatment is continually evolving, with new discoveries and innovations emerging regularly. What are some of the latest advancements in blood clot management?
Improved Diagnostic Techniques
Researchers are developing more accurate and less invasive methods for detecting blood clots:
- Advanced imaging technologies that can detect smaller clots
- Blood tests that can more accurately predict clot risk
- Wearable devices that monitor blood flow and alert users to potential clot formation
Novel Treatment Approaches
New treatments are being developed to more effectively address blood clots:
- Targeted drug delivery systems that can dissolve clots with fewer side effects
- Gene therapies aimed at correcting hereditary clotting disorders
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques for removing larger clots
Personalized Medicine
The future of blood clot treatment lies in personalized approaches:
- Genetic testing to determine individual risk factors and tailor preventive strategies
- Customized treatment plans based on a patient’s specific clot characteristics and medical history
- AI-powered algorithms to predict clot risk and recommend preventive measures
These advancements hold promise for more effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of blood clots, including those in the fingers. As research progresses, we can expect to see even more innovative approaches to managing this common but potentially serious medical condition.
Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More
Blood clots can be serious. If you notice a bump or what may be a swollen artery or vein on your finger or elsewhere, visit a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment.
The fact that your blood can clot is a good thing because it can stop you from bleeding. But when abnormal blood clots form in a vein or artery, it can create problems. These clots can form anywhere in the body, including your fingers.
Continue reading to explore blood clots in the fingers, why blood clots develop, and if they should be treated.
When you cut a blood vessel, a type of blood cell called platelets race to the scene. They come together at the site of the injury to form a clot and put an end to the bleeding.
As the cut begins to heal, your body slowly dissolves the clot. This is how blood clotting, also known as coagulation, is supposed to work.
Sometimes, blood clots develop inside blood vessels where they aren’t needed. These abnormal blood clots can interfere with blood flow and potentially cause serious problems.
There are several types of blood clots:
- Thrombus (venous thrombus). This blood clot forms in a vein.
- Arterial. This clot forms in an artery.
- Superficial thrombophlebitis. This blood clot develops in a vein just under the skin.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This abnormal clot forms in a large, deep vein, typically in an arm or leg.
- Embolus (thromboembolus). This clot breaks off and travels through blood vessels.
Clots can form in any part of the body, including the fingers and underneath the fingernails.
A blood clot can form after a trauma to the finger damages blood vessels or breaks a bone. Examples include:
- a heavy object falling on the fingers, like when you accidentally hit your finger with a hammer
- a crush injury, such as when you get your finger caught in a car door
- surgery to the hand or fingers
- wearing a ring that’s way too small
Problems with blood flow can also lead to clots. Aging can cause problems with blood flow, as can certain conditions, such as:
- diabetes
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- kidney failure
A weakened artery wall can create a bulge called an aneurysm, where a clot can develop. A clot from an aneurysm can break apart and send smaller clots into the bloodstream, where they can reach the fingers.
Two types of blood clots in the finger are:
- Palmar digital vein thrombosis. This blood clot forms on the palm side of the finger, usually near the middle joint.
- Subungual hematoma. This blood clot develops under the fingernail.
A blood clot in the finger is located in a vein under the skin of the finger, likely near a joint. You might notice a bump, but you may not see much more than that.
This differs from a bruise, which is closer to the surface of the skin. A bruise also quickly changes color, first darkening and then getting lighter as it heals and fades away.
If you have a cut on your finger or underneath the fingernail, normal clotting should stop the bleeding. An abnormal clot is inside the vein and can prevent blood from flowing freely.
Signs that you have a blood clot of the finger include:
- one or more firm, blue bumps on the palm side of the finger
- pain, tenderness, or warmth
- redness or other color changes to the finger
- finger that feels cold to the touch
A blood clot under the fingernail can be mildly to severely painful.
If you suspect you have a blood clot in your finger, see your doctor. They’ll be able to tell the difference between a bruise and a clot and give you recommendations for treating your injury.
A blood clot in the finger can be small and may go away without treatment. It could be a one-time issue caused by trauma to the finger. But if there’s a medical condition that’s causing abnormal clotting, you’ll want to know.
It’s worth noting that the hands have small blood vessels to begin with, so even a small clot can interfere with blood flow. That can lead to redness, swelling, pain, or even the formation of more clots.
Poor blood flow means there’s not enough oxygen to nourish nearby tissue, which can result in tissue death.
Blood clots can also break off and travel through your bloodstream and reach vital organs. This can lead to:
- pulmonary embolism, an abnormal clot that blocks the flow of blood in your lung
- heart attack
- stroke
These are life-threatening medical emergencies.
Factors that can raise the risk of blood clots in general include:
- being over age 40
- being overweight
- cancer
- chemotherapy
- genetic predisposition
- hormone therapy or hormonal birth control pills
- long periods of inactivity
- pregnancy
- smoking
Although some blood clots in the fingers resolve on their own without treatment, it’s still a good idea to see your doctor. This can help prevent permanent damage to your finger. It can also prevent more serious consequences of blood clots that break apart and enter the bloodstream.
A blood clot underneath your fingernail can result in the nail falling off. To prevent this and to relieve pain, your doctor can cut a tiny hole in the nail to release the pressure.
Talk to your doctor about what you can do at home to relieve pain and pressure. This may include:
- massaging the lesion
- applying hot compresses
- using compression bandages
In some cases, a blood clot can be surgically removed from the finger.
If you’re prone to developing blood clots, your doctor may prescribe a blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant). These medications can prevent more clots from forming. Any other underlying conditions that can increase the risk of clotting should also be addressed.
Seek a medical opinion if your hand or finger shows these signs and symptoms:
- the skin is split open and may need to be stitched
- there’s a lot of swelling
- you have increasing pain
- the fingernail is falling off or the base is popping out from under the skin
- you have a wound that you can’t get completely clean
- you can’t move your fingers normally
- your fingers are an abnormal color
If you have an injury to your fingers, testing may include:
- physical examination to assess your skin
- X-ray, MRI, or other imaging test to look for fractured bones and other internal damage
- ultrasound or other testing to check blood flow in arteries and veins
- artery pressure and pulse recordings
If you didn’t have an injury, your doctor will probably want to learn the cause of your blood clot. Diagnostic testing may include:
- blood count
- blood coagulation test
- blood chemistries
While it may not always require medical treatment, blood clots can have serious consequences. If you suspect you have a blood clot on your finger or anywhere else, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More
Blood clots can be serious. If you notice a bump or what may be a swollen artery or vein on your finger or elsewhere, visit a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment.
The fact that your blood can clot is a good thing because it can stop you from bleeding. But when abnormal blood clots form in a vein or artery, it can create problems. These clots can form anywhere in the body, including your fingers.
Continue reading to explore blood clots in the fingers, why blood clots develop, and if they should be treated.
When you cut a blood vessel, a type of blood cell called platelets race to the scene. They come together at the site of the injury to form a clot and put an end to the bleeding.
As the cut begins to heal, your body slowly dissolves the clot. This is how blood clotting, also known as coagulation, is supposed to work.
Sometimes, blood clots develop inside blood vessels where they aren’t needed. These abnormal blood clots can interfere with blood flow and potentially cause serious problems.
There are several types of blood clots:
- Thrombus (venous thrombus). This blood clot forms in a vein.
- Arterial. This clot forms in an artery.
- Superficial thrombophlebitis. This blood clot develops in a vein just under the skin.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This abnormal clot forms in a large, deep vein, typically in an arm or leg.
- Embolus (thromboembolus). This clot breaks off and travels through blood vessels.
Clots can form in any part of the body, including the fingers and underneath the fingernails.
A blood clot can form after a trauma to the finger damages blood vessels or breaks a bone. Examples include:
- a heavy object falling on the fingers, like when you accidentally hit your finger with a hammer
- a crush injury, such as when you get your finger caught in a car door
- surgery to the hand or fingers
- wearing a ring that’s way too small
Problems with blood flow can also lead to clots. Aging can cause problems with blood flow, as can certain conditions, such as:
- diabetes
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- kidney failure
A weakened artery wall can create a bulge called an aneurysm, where a clot can develop. A clot from an aneurysm can break apart and send smaller clots into the bloodstream, where they can reach the fingers.
Two types of blood clots in the finger are:
- Palmar digital vein thrombosis. This blood clot forms on the palm side of the finger, usually near the middle joint.
- Subungual hematoma. This blood clot develops under the fingernail.
A blood clot in the finger is located in a vein under the skin of the finger, likely near a joint. You might notice a bump, but you may not see much more than that.
This differs from a bruise, which is closer to the surface of the skin. A bruise also quickly changes color, first darkening and then getting lighter as it heals and fades away.
If you have a cut on your finger or underneath the fingernail, normal clotting should stop the bleeding. An abnormal clot is inside the vein and can prevent blood from flowing freely.
Signs that you have a blood clot of the finger include:
- one or more firm, blue bumps on the palm side of the finger
- pain, tenderness, or warmth
- redness or other color changes to the finger
- finger that feels cold to the touch
A blood clot under the fingernail can be mildly to severely painful.
If you suspect you have a blood clot in your finger, see your doctor. They’ll be able to tell the difference between a bruise and a clot and give you recommendations for treating your injury.
A blood clot in the finger can be small and may go away without treatment. It could be a one-time issue caused by trauma to the finger. But if there’s a medical condition that’s causing abnormal clotting, you’ll want to know.
It’s worth noting that the hands have small blood vessels to begin with, so even a small clot can interfere with blood flow. That can lead to redness, swelling, pain, or even the formation of more clots.
Poor blood flow means there’s not enough oxygen to nourish nearby tissue, which can result in tissue death.
Blood clots can also break off and travel through your bloodstream and reach vital organs. This can lead to:
- pulmonary embolism, an abnormal clot that blocks the flow of blood in your lung
- heart attack
- stroke
These are life-threatening medical emergencies.
Factors that can raise the risk of blood clots in general include:
- being over age 40
- being overweight
- cancer
- chemotherapy
- genetic predisposition
- hormone therapy or hormonal birth control pills
- long periods of inactivity
- pregnancy
- smoking
Although some blood clots in the fingers resolve on their own without treatment, it’s still a good idea to see your doctor. This can help prevent permanent damage to your finger. It can also prevent more serious consequences of blood clots that break apart and enter the bloodstream.
A blood clot underneath your fingernail can result in the nail falling off. To prevent this and to relieve pain, your doctor can cut a tiny hole in the nail to release the pressure.
Talk to your doctor about what you can do at home to relieve pain and pressure. This may include:
- massaging the lesion
- applying hot compresses
- using compression bandages
In some cases, a blood clot can be surgically removed from the finger.
If you’re prone to developing blood clots, your doctor may prescribe a blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant). These medications can prevent more clots from forming. Any other underlying conditions that can increase the risk of clotting should also be addressed.
Seek a medical opinion if your hand or finger shows these signs and symptoms:
- the skin is split open and may need to be stitched
- there’s a lot of swelling
- you have increasing pain
- the fingernail is falling off or the base is popping out from under the skin
- you have a wound that you can’t get completely clean
- you can’t move your fingers normally
- your fingers are an abnormal color
If you have an injury to your fingers, testing may include:
- physical examination to assess your skin
- X-ray, MRI, or other imaging test to look for fractured bones and other internal damage
- ultrasound or other testing to check blood flow in arteries and veins
- artery pressure and pulse recordings
If you didn’t have an injury, your doctor will probably want to learn the cause of your blood clot. Diagnostic testing may include:
- blood count
- blood coagulation test
- blood chemistries
While it may not always require medical treatment, blood clots can have serious consequences. If you suspect you have a blood clot on your finger or anywhere else, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
basic rules for preparing for a complete blood test from a finger
Blood from a finger is taken to perform a complete blood test (CBC), which is also called clinical. The analysis allows you to evaluate the quantitative composition of blood cells, and is also used to quickly determine the level of glucose and cholesterol. CBC is a simple and fast laboratory diagnostic procedure. It is appointed in the following cases:
- preventive examinations (all adults are recommended to donate blood from a finger once a year), obtaining certificates for admission to a kindergarten, school, sports sections, commission when applying for a job;
- examination before hospitalization, operation, examination and observation of women registered for pregnancy;
- assessment of the state of the body before vaccination;
- initial diagnosis of various diseases, including those that are asymptomatic;
- diagnosis and treatment of acute diseases;
- to monitor the condition of patients during treatment;
- routine examination of people with chronic diseases.
In the study of capillary blood, which is taken from a finger, the number of blood cells is determined – erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, leukocyte formula (percentage of various forms of leukocytes), hemoglobin, glucose, cholesterol, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Deviation from the norm indicates pathological conditions: for example, a reduced number of erythrocytes indicates anemia, an increased percentage of leukocytes and an accelerated ESR indicate inflammation, eosinophils indicate allergic reactions, helminthic invasions. However, these conditions are not diagnoses – they can be present in various diseases. Only a doctor should interpret the result of the analysis, make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
How to properly donate blood from a finger
There are general rules for donating blood from a finger that must be followed in order for the CBC result to be reliable: hours.
Blood is usually taken from the ring finger of the left hand. If it has bruises, wounds, thermal damage (burns, frostbite), swelling, cyanosis, blood is taken from any other finger. Hands must be warm. If the hands are cold, or the patient has low blood pressure, the blood will not stand out well. In such cases, it is recommended to hold your hand for some time under warm water or wrap it in a heated towel before analysis, gently massage your finger before puncture.
After blood sampling, the fingertip is treated with an antiseptic solution and a sterile cotton swab is applied to it until the bleeding stops completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between blood from a finger and from a vein?
There are no fundamental differences between capillary and venous blood. Therefore, for a general blood test, it is possible to take the biomaterial both from a finger and from a vein. However, intercellular fluid is present in capillary blood, which can lead to the formation of microclots. In addition, the volume of fingerstick blood is insufficient for several tests, and capillary blood is not suitable for many tests. Therefore, blood from a finger is usually taken when it is required to quickly conduct an analysis with a small number of indicators – professional examinations, express diagnostics. If the patient, in addition to the KLA, requires other studies (biochemical analysis, tests for infections, hormones), venous blood is taken and it is also used for general analysis.
Why is capillary blood taken for analysis from the ring finger?
The ring finger of the left hand takes part in movements and work with the hands less than the other fingers, so the puncture on it will heal faster. Also, due to the small load on this finger, the skin on it is thinner than on the others, so the puncture will be less painful. There is another reason – the inner shells of the little finger and thumb are directly connected to the inner shells of the hand, so if an infection enters, there is a risk that it will spread to the entire hand. The shells of the ring, middle and index fingers are isolated, which minimizes the risk of infection. Blood is not taken from the middle and index fingers, as they are much more actively involved in daily activities and stress on the hands. For lefties, blood is taken from the ring finger of the right hand.
Is it necessary to donate blood from a finger on an empty stomach?
Yes, this is a prerequisite for a correct analysis result. One of the reasons is that after eating, the number of leukocytes in the blood increases. This is a natural process, but in the results of the analysis, an increase in the number of leukocytes can be misinterpreted. In addition, the sugar contained in food causes an increase in glucose levels, and fatty foods provoke clouding of the blood serum, which makes diagnosis difficult.
Can I smoke before donating blood from a finger?
It is strictly not recommended to smoke before the KLA. The substances that make up nicotine and tobacco tar change the cellular composition of the blood, affect the content of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and glucose. This applies not only to ordinary cigarettes and cigarettes, but also to electronic devices.
When is the best time to donate blood from a finger?
Capillary blood is taken for analysis usually from 7 am to 10-11 am. This is due to the fact that the analysis must be taken on an empty stomach, and the fasting period is easier to endure at night. In case of emergency, when a patient is admitted to a hospital, after operations, blood is taken from a finger at any time of the day.
When can’t donate blood from a finger?
There are no strict contraindications to donating blood from a finger. Women are not recommended to do an analysis during menstruation, as blood counts change at this time. Extensive injuries, injuries, for example, burns of both hands, as well as an unstable mental state of the patient, can become an obstacle to taking blood from a finger.
What should I do if the blood from the finger does not stop after the test?
Most often this situation occurs in patients with bleeding disorders. Also, this can lead to hypertension, strong excitement before taking the test. The person needs to calm down, press a sterile swab tightly against the puncture, raise his hand up. The swab should be pressed down, but not rubbed or massaged with the ball of the finger, as this interferes with the formation of a blood clot. You can fix the tampon on your finger with adhesive tape.
Material checked by an expert
Doctor of laboratory diagnostics of the highest category
Atrashkova Darya Vladimirovna
Sources
- GOST R 59778-2021 Procedures for taking samples of venous and capillary blood for laboratory research.
- Guder V. Diagnostic tests: from the patient to the laboratory. Influence of preanalytical factors on the quality of laboratory research results / V. Guder [et al.], trans. from English. V.V. Menshikov. – 2010.
- Korobeynikova N.Yu. Preparation for laboratory research / N.Yu. Korobeynikova // Nurse. – 2018. – No. 3. – P. 15-17.
- Noskina N.A. Recommendations for taking blood from newborns / N.A. Noskina // Difficult patient. – 2015. – No. 1-2. – S. 60-62.
- What does a drop of blood tell about? // Nurse. – 2015. – No. 1. – S. 53-54.
Donate blood from a finger in the Optimum medical laboratory in Sochi (Adler)
- Home
- Analyzes and prices
- Finger blood sampling
More about the doctor
Capillary blood sampling from a finger is required for general clinical blood test , determination of blood group and Rh factor . Also, capillary blood is used to determine the level of glucose, this diagnostic method is used as a rapid test. Definition blood group and Rh factor is performed before surgery, when examining donors and couples planning a pregnancy.
Why you need a test
Complete blood count is one of the standard tests. It is prescribed for various diseases, preventive examinations, in preparation for surgery. Changes in the number and ratio of blood cells allow you to identify hidden pathology, establish the correct diagnosis and assess the general condition of the body.
As part of a general clinical blood test, blood cells are counted, hemoglobin levels and ESR are determined. If necessary, additionally study the duration of bleeding and the time of blood clotting.
In the differential diagnosis of various diseases, the indicators of the leukocyte formula are of great importance: a strong increase in the content of neutrophils is characteristic of acute bacterial infections, eosinophilia is observed in allergies and parasitic diseases, monocytosis is noted during the recovery period. An increase in ESR is a nonspecific sign of inflammation.
Instructions for preparation
It is recommended to abstain from alcohol 2-3 days before blood donation. If the analysis is prescribed for prophylactic purposes, you should stop taking medications that affect the blood system. If it is impossible to cancel the medication, the attending physician should be warned about this.
Also, the result of the study can be affected by significant physical and emotional stress, hypothermia, eating heavy and fatty foods. Blood should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning. In the evening, on the eve of the analysis, a light dinner is allowed.
How to take blood from the finger
For blood from the finger , a disposable sterile kit is used, which the laboratory technician opens in the presence of the patient. Therefore, the risk of infection with diseases transmitted through the blood during the procedure is minimized.
Blood is taken from the ring finger of the left hand .