Automatic for the people: an introduction to self-collected capillary blood testing

Venepuncture is traditionally considered the gold standard for blood sample collection and remains one of the most common procedures in clinical practice. However, the need for specialised personnel and resources is a limiting factor that affects the efficiency of downstream clinical pathways. Self-collected capillary blood sampling has emerged as a practical alternative to venepuncture in various settings, potentially promoting a patient-centred, personalised, and cost-effective healthcare model. Nonetheless, several operational challenges remain, including limited data on analyte stability and laboratory automation. Despite these challenges, the incorporation of self-collected capillary blood sampling into patient pathways seems inevitable, and routine clinical laboratories should consider adopting this approach to deliver blood services from the hospital to the community. Here, we introduce capillary blood testing, summarise its potential role in healthcare provision, and provide an overview of the areas to consider for its successful implementation.