Diet Restrictions

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Pre-analytical Challenges Encountered with Capillary Blood Collection and Testing. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Pre-analytical Challenges Encountered with Capillary Blood Collection and Testing (online CE course)
Diet Restrictions

After proper identification is made, the patient should be asked if diet restrictions were followed and if the patient is taking any medications. Smoking, chewing gum (which can contain sugar), or chewing tobacco should also be noted, as certain analytes may be affected. Capillary blood collection may be difficult to obtain from chronic smokers because they have impaired circulation in the fingertips.
If diet restrictions are not followed or if the patient is taking medications, the physician should be consulted before going any further since the results may be inaccurate. Some of the test results affected include glucose, triglycerides, insulin, and iron, among others.