Capillary blood collecting system for glucose determination.

A method of self collection of blood is described for use by diabetic patients unable, or unwilling, to determine their own blood glucose, and for when accurate results are required for research purposes. A commercially available 'flask' capillary blood collecting system can be used to collect 50 microliters blood for glucose determination on a Yellow Springs analyser. The results are accurate when compared to Auto Analyzer (r = 0.988) and are unaffected by storage at 4 degrees C for up to 28 days (r = 0.988). This system is easily available, readily accepted by patients, and the method consumes minimal laboratory time.