When is it appropriate to perform a fingerstick instead of venipuncture?

A fingerstick is appropriate when small volumes of blood are needed because it is a less invasive method that allows for quick access to blood samples. This technique is particularly useful in situations such as point-of-care testing, where immediate results are required, or for certain tests where only a small amount of blood is necessary. Using a fingerstick for these scenarios minimizes discomfort for the patient and can expedite the testing process.

In contrast, venipuncture is generally preferred for instances that require larger blood volumes, as seen in comprehensive blood tests or transfusions. Similarly, fingersticks are not suitable for blood transfusions due to the need for larger quantities of blood flow. Additionally, while fingersticks can be used for some infectious disease testing, many of these tests may require venipuncture to obtain sufficient and more reliable blood samples, making venipuncture a more appropriate choice in those cases.