To minimize distress during capillary puncture, which practice is recommended?

• A. Collect from the side of the fingertip if possible.
• B. Warm the site, use a sharp lancet, avoid excessive squeezing, collect from the side of the fingertip if possible.
• C. Avoid warming the site and use a dull lancet
• D. Squeeze firmly to obtain adequate blood

Answer: (B)

Minimizing distress during capillary puncture depends on techniques that reduce pain and tissue trauma while still yielding enough blood. Warming the site promotes vasodilation, which helps blood flow and makes puncture easier and less painful. Using a new, sharp lancet creates a clean entry with less tissue damage, which also lowers discomfort. Avoiding excessive squeezing prevents squeezing-induced trauma and dilution of the sample, which can increase pain and compromise results. Puncturing from the side of the fingertip targets an area with fewer nerve endings and reduced sensitivity compared with the center, further reducing pain. Together, these practices—warming the site, using a sharp lancet, avoiding excessive squeezing, and puncturing from the side—represent the best approach for a less distressing capillary puncture.