Effects of Different Methods Used to Take Blood Samples on Blood Glucose Measurements

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare whether or not there is a difference between venous and capillary blood samples in blood glucose measurements and investigate the effects of different aseptic methods used in skin cleaning before collecting blood samples on measurement results. Background: Capillary blood glucose measurement is a frequently used measurement method in both clinical environments and the home environment. However, several different aseptic techniques are used in collecting blood samples for glucose measurement. Design and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study that was conducted with 109 patients who visited the blood collection unit of a University Hospital located in Western Turkey for 75 gr OGTT between November 2017 and April 2018. The capillary first and second blood drop values taken from the patients after fasting and at two hours following OGTT and capillary and venous blood glucose values were compared.