# Accurex Lipid Profile Meter: Capillary vs Venous Blood, Serum & Plasma Guide

**By Dr Pramod kumar** · 2026-09-30

The **Accurex LPM-101 Lipid Profile Meter** supports several specimen types, giving clinics, screening programmes and professional users more flexibility than many portable lipid-testing systems.

The compatible system can be used with:

-   **Capillary whole blood**
-   **Venous whole blood**
-   **Serum**
-   **Plasma**

However, these specimens are **not collected or prepared in exactly the same way**.

The Accurex LPM-101 also requires the selected specimen type on the meter to correspond to the actual sample being tested.

This guide explains the differences between capillary blood, venous whole blood, serum and plasma and how each fits into Accurex lipid-profile testing.

* * *

## Accurex Specimen Types at a Glance

Specimen

Supported?

Main Preparation

Typical Workflow

**Capillary Whole Blood**

✅ Yes

Fresh fingertip sample; wipe first drop and use second drop

Rapid point-of-care testing and screening

**Venous Whole Blood**

✅ Yes

Heparinized or EDTA whole blood; mix well before testing

Professional clinic and laboratory workflows

**Serum**

✅ Yes

Prepared professional specimen; select serum/plasma mode

Laboratory-style testing workflows

**Plasma**

✅ Yes, with manufacturer limitations

Prepared plasma specimen; check anticoagulant compatibility

Professional testing

* * *

## What Sample Types Can the Accurex LPM-101 Use?

The manufacturer identifies three specimen-selection modes on the meter:

-   **FB** – Capillary Blood
-   **VB** – Venous Blood
-   **SP** – Serum / Plasma

The meter's default setting is capillary blood.

Before every test, verify that the displayed sample type matches the specimen actually being tested.

* * *

## Why the Correct Sample-Type Setting Matters

Do not assume that the meter can automatically identify whether the specimen is fingertip blood, venous blood, serum or plasma.

The user must select the appropriate specimen type.

Before applying the sample:

1.  Turn on the meter.
2.  Check the code chip.
3.  Check the displayed specimen type.
4.  Change the sample setting if necessary.
5.  Then insert the compatible strip and continue testing.

A specimen-type mismatch can make result comparison and interpretation less reliable.

* * *

## Capillary Whole Blood: Fingertip Testing

Capillary whole blood is obtained directly from a fingertip using a sterile lancet.

This is generally the simplest specimen for portable point-of-care testing because it does not require venous blood collection or laboratory specimen separation.

For Accurex capillary testing, the manufacturer specifically instructs users to:

**Wipe away the first drop of blood and use the second drop.**

* * *

## Why Does Accurex Recommend the Second Blood Drop?

After performing the finger prick:

1.  Allow the first drop to form.
2.  Wipe it away.
3.  Apply light pressure if necessary.
4.  Allow a second drop to form.
5.  Collect the required specimen using a capillary transfer tube or pipette.

This is the manufacturer-specified capillary workflow for the LPM-101 platform.

* * *

## How Much Capillary Blood Is Required?

The required specimen volume depends on the Accurex test strip being used.

For the **LPS-101 3-in-1 Lipid Profile Strip**:

**Approximately 35 µL**

is required.

The parameter-specific strips may use approximately:

**10 µL**

depending on strip type.

Strip

Test

Approx. Sample

**LPS-101**

TC + HDL + TG

**35 µL**

**TCS-101**

Total Cholesterol

Approx. 10 µL

**TGS-101**

Triglycerides

Approx. 10 µL

**HLS-101**

HDL Cholesterol

Approx. 10 µL

* * *

## How to Collect Capillary Blood Correctly

For fingertip testing:

1.  Wash and dry the hands thoroughly.
2.  Prepare a sterile lancet.
3.  Puncture the fingertip.
4.  Wipe away the first blood drop.
5.  Allow the second drop to form.
6.  Hold the capillary transfer tube slightly downward.
7.  Touch its tip gently to the blood drop.
8.  Allow capillary action to draw the blood to the fill line.

Do not squeeze the capillary tube while collecting the specimen.

* * *

## Use Capillary Blood Immediately

Fresh capillary blood should be tested promptly after collection.

Do not collect the fingertip specimen and leave it sitting while preparing:

-   The meter
-   The strip
-   The code chip

Prepare the equipment first, then collect the blood specimen when the meter is ready.

* * *

## When Is Capillary Blood Useful?

Capillary testing is particularly practical for:

-   Point-of-care clinics
-   Screening camps
-   Corporate wellness programmes
-   Mobile health programmes
-   Rapid lipid screening
-   Situations where venous collection is unnecessary or impractical

It offers a convenient workflow when a properly collected fingertip specimen is appropriate.

* * *

## Venous Whole Blood

The Accurex LPM-101 also supports:

**Venous whole blood collected with heparin or EDTA.**

This can be useful when blood has already been collected by venipuncture in a professional healthcare setting.

* * *

## Which Anticoagulants Can Be Used for Venous Whole Blood?

The manufacturer recommends:

-   **Heparin**
-   **EDTA**

for venous whole-blood testing.

Other anticoagulants are not recommended unless specifically supported by the manufacturer's current instructions.

* * *

## Important: EDTA Whole Blood Is Not the Same as EDTA Plasma

This distinction is important.

The manufacturer permits:

**EDTA venous whole blood**

but specifically warns against:

**EDTA plasma**

because EDTA plasma may produce higher results.

Therefore, do not assume that because EDTA is acceptable for whole blood, it is also acceptable for plasma testing.

* * *

## Other Anticoagulants to Avoid

The LPM-101 limitations advise against other anticoagulants including:

-   Sodium citrate
-   Fluoride-containing anticoagulants
-   Iodoacetate

Use only specimen types and anticoagulants supported by the current manufacturer instructions.

* * *

## Mix Venous Whole Blood Before Testing

Venous whole blood contains cellular components that may settle during storage.

The manufacturer instructs users to:

**Mix the specimen well before testing.**

This helps redistribute the blood cells evenly throughout the sample.

Do not test a stored venous whole-blood specimen without adequate mixing.

* * *

## How Long Can Venous Whole Blood Be Stored Before Accurex Testing?

The LPM-101 manufacturer specifies that an appropriate venous specimen should generally be tested within:

**8 hours after collection.**

Follow the current manufacturer instructions and your facility's specimen-handling procedures.

* * *

## What If the Venous Sample Was Refrigerated?

A refrigerated specimen should not be tested immediately while still cold.

The manufacturer instructs users to allow the specimen to reach the meter's operating temperature of approximately:

**10°C–35°C**

for roughly:

**15 minutes**

before testing.

Mix the specimen appropriately before sample application.

* * *

## How Much Venous Whole Blood Is Required?

The required volume again depends on the strip.

For LPS-101:

**Approximately 35 µL**

For appropriate parameter-specific strips:

**Approximately 10 µL**

may be required.

Use an appropriate pipette or transfer tube rather than estimating the sample volume.

* * *

## Can Serum Be Used with the Accurex Lipid Meter?

**Yes.**

The Accurex LPM-101 supports serum specimens according to the manufacturer's instructions.

For serum testing:

-   Select the serum/plasma specimen mode.
-   Use a correctly prepared specimen.
-   Allow refrigerated material to reach the required operating temperature.
-   Apply the exact volume required for the strip.

Serum testing is typically more relevant to professional diagnostic and laboratory workflows than routine fingertip screening.

* * *

## Can Plasma Be Used?

**Yes, with appropriate specimen preparation and anticoagulant selection.**

The meter supports plasma, but the manufacturer's limitations must be followed carefully.

In particular:

**Do not use EDTA plasma.**

The manufacturer states that EDTA plasma may produce higher results.

* * *

## Serum vs Plasma: What Is the Difference?

Both serum and plasma are liquid blood components, but they are prepared differently.

**Plasma** is obtained from anticoagulated blood and retains clotting factors.

**Serum** is obtained after blood has clotted and therefore does not contain the same clotting-factor profile.

For Accurex testing, use only specimen preparation methods compatible with the manufacturer's instructions and your facility's laboratory procedures.

* * *

## Which Sample Type Should You Choose?

There is no single specimen type that is automatically the correct choice for every Accurex user.

The appropriate specimen depends on the testing workflow.

Workflow

Practical Specimen Option

Rapid screening camp

Capillary whole blood

Clinic with fingertip testing

Capillary whole blood

Venous sample already collected

Appropriate heparinized or EDTA venous whole blood

Laboratory workflow

Serum or supported plasma specimen

The responsible healthcare professional or laboratory should determine the appropriate specimen type for the intended testing purpose.

* * *

## Capillary vs Venous Blood: Which Is More Convenient?

From a workflow perspective, capillary blood usually requires less preparation because:

-   No venipuncture tube is required.
-   No specimen separation is required.
-   Testing can begin immediately.
-   Only a small blood quantity is required.

Venous blood, however, may be more convenient when a patient is already having blood collected for other diagnostic tests.

* * *

## Capillary vs Venous Blood: Are the Results Always Identical?

No.

Capillary and venous specimens are collected differently and may not produce perfectly identical numerical results on every occasion.

Differences can also arise from:

-   Collection technique
-   Timing
-   Sample handling
-   Anticoagulant choice
-   Sample temperature
-   Biological variation

For this reason, compare repeated measurements under similar testing conditions whenever possible.

[**Read: Accurex Lipid Meter Accuracy vs Laboratory Lipid Profile**](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/accurex-lipid-profile-meter-accuracy-vs-laboratory-lipid-profile)

* * *

## Do Not Squeeze the Finger Excessively

Adequate capillary blood should be obtained using proper fingertip collection technique.

Excessive squeezing can alter the quality of a capillary specimen.

Instead:

-   Warm the hand if appropriate.
-   Allow the blood drop to form naturally.
-   Use gentle pressure.
-   Collect the second drop using the transfer tube.

* * *

## Do Not Touch the Test Strip with the Pipette or Transfer Tube

When applying any specimen type:

-   Align the transfer device with the centre of the specimen application area.
-   Apply the required quantity.
-   Do not scrape or touch the strip reaction surface with the pipette or capillary tube.

* * *

## Do Not Add More Specimen Later

If the strip was underfilled:

**Do not top up the same strip.**

Discard it and repeat using a new compatible strip with the correct amount of specimen.

* * *

## What If the Sample Is Hemolysed?

The manufacturer warns that:

**Hemolysed blood may produce lower results.**

If a venous specimen shows significant hemolysis, it should not automatically be considered equivalent to a properly collected specimen.

Professional users should follow their specimen-rejection and repeat-testing procedures.

* * *

## Arterial Blood Is Not Recommended

The manufacturer specifically states that:

**Arterial blood is not recommended for use with this system.**

The supported whole-blood specimens are fingertip capillary blood and appropriate venous whole blood.

* * *

## Thrombolytic Therapy Can Affect Results

The manufacturer also warns that blood from patients undergoing thrombolytic therapy may produce lower measurements.

This reinforces the importance of interpreting lipid results in the appropriate clinical context.

* * *

## Sample Handling Can Matter as Much as the Meter

When an unexpected result occurs, it is easy to assume the meter is responsible.

However, pre-analytical factors can include:

-   Incorrect specimen type
-   Incorrect meter specimen setting
-   Wrong anticoagulant
-   Insufficient mixing
-   Cold specimen
-   Delayed testing
-   Hemolysis
-   Incorrect blood-drop collection
-   Incorrect sample volume

Review the entire testing process before deciding that a result represents meter failure.

* * *

## Sample Type and Code Chip Are Separate Requirements

Correct specimen selection does not replace proper strip coding.

Before every Accurex test confirm both:

**1\. Correct specimen type**

and:

**2\. Correct strip code chip**

The code displayed on the meter should match the current strip package.

* * *

## Quick Specimen Checklist Before Testing

-   ✓ Correct specimen type selected on meter
-   ✓ Correct compatible strip inserted
-   ✓ Correct code chip installed
-   ✓ Code matches strip pack
-   ✓ Correct sample volume available
-   ✓ Capillary test uses second blood drop
-   ✓ Venous whole blood mixed properly
-   ✓ Supported anticoagulant used
-   ✓ Refrigerated sample brought to 10°C–35°C
-   ✓ Sample tested within manufacturer timing
-   ✓ No visibly hemolysed specimen
-   ✓ Sample application area filled correctly

* * *

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can Accurex LPM-101 use capillary blood?

Yes. Fresh fingertip capillary whole blood is supported.

### Should I use the first blood drop?

No. The manufacturer instructs users to wipe away the first blood drop and use the second drop for capillary testing.

### How much capillary blood is needed for LPS-101?

Approximately **35 µL**.

### Can venous whole blood be used?

Yes. The manufacturer supports appropriately collected heparinized or EDTA venous whole blood.

### Should venous blood be mixed before testing?

Yes. Mix it well to redistribute the cellular components before collecting the test aliquot.

### How long can venous whole blood be kept before testing?

The manufacturer's LPM-101 instructions specify testing within approximately **8 hours after collection**.

### What if the venous sample was refrigerated?

Allow it to reach approximately 10°C–35°C before testing; the manual specifies about 15 minutes for refrigerated specimens to equilibrate.

### Can serum be used?

Yes. Serum is a supported specimen type.

### Can plasma be used?

Yes, but the specimen must follow the manufacturer's compatibility requirements.

### Can EDTA plasma be used?

No. The manufacturer specifically warns that EDTA plasma may produce higher results.

### Is EDTA whole blood allowed?

Yes. EDTA venous whole blood is supported. This is different from EDTA plasma.

### Can heparinized venous blood be used?

Yes. Heparin is one of the recommended anticoagulants for venous whole blood.

### Can sodium citrate blood be used?

The manufacturer does not recommend sodium citrate for this system.

### Can fluoride tubes be used?

No. Fluoride-containing anticoagulants are not recommended.

### Can arterial blood be used?

No. The manufacturer states that arterial blood is not recommended.

### Can hemolysed blood affect the result?

Yes. The manufacturer notes that hemolysed specimens may produce lower measurements.

### Which sample type is easiest for screening camps?

Capillary fingertip blood often provides the simplest point-of-care workflow because it does not require venous collection or specimen separation. The testing protocol should still be determined by the responsible healthcare professional.

### Are capillary and venous lipid results always exactly the same?

No. Collection method, specimen handling, timing and normal analytical variation can lead to numerical differences.

* * *

## Related Accurex Knowledge Hub Guides

**Accurex Lipid Profile Meter & Test Strips Complete Guide**  
[Learn about the complete Accurex LPM-101 platform](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/accurex-lipid-profile-meter-test-strips-complete-guide)

**Accurex Lipid Profile Test Strip Compatibility Guide**  
[Compare LPS-101, TCS-101, TGS-101 and HLS-101](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/accurex-lipid-test-strip-compatibility-lps-101-tcs-101-tgs-101-hls-101)

**How to Use Accurex Lipid Profile Meter & LPS-101 Test Strips**  
[Follow the Accurex test procedure step by step](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/how-to-use-accurex-lipid-profile-meter-lps-101-strips)

**Accurex Lipid Profile Test Strips Expiry & Storage Guide**  
[Learn correct strip storage and expiry management](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/accurex-lipid-profile-test-strips-expiry-storage-guide)

**Accurex Lipid Profile Meter Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide**  
[Troubleshoot strip, code-chip, battery and result problems](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/accurex-lipid-profile-meter-error-codes-troubleshooting)

**Accurex Lipid Profile Meter Quality Control & Optical Verification Guide**  
[Learn how to check system performance](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/accurex-lipid-profile-meter-quality-control-optical-verification-guide)

**Accurex Lipid Meter Accuracy vs Laboratory Lipid Profile**  
[Understand why point-of-care and laboratory results may differ](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/accurex-lipid-profile-meter-accuracy-vs-laboratory-lipid-profile)

**QuikCheck vs Accurex Complete Comparison**  
[Compare Total Cholesterol and multi-parameter lipid systems](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/quikcheck-cholesterol-vs-accurex-lipid-profile-meter)

* * *

## Shop Accurex Lipid Testing Products

### Accurex Lipid Profile Meter

Portable Blood Lipid Analysis System supporting capillary whole blood, venous whole blood, serum and plasma.

[**View Accurex Lipid Profile Meter**](https://microsidd.com/products/accurex-lipid-profile-meter-blood-lipid-analysis-system)

### Accurex Lipid Profile Test Strips – 25 Pack

Compatible LPS-101 lipid-panel strips for direct TC, HDL and TG measurement with calculated LDL and TC/HDL ratio.

[**View Accurex Lipid Profile Test Strips**](https://microsidd.com/products/accurex-lipid-profile-meter-strips-25)

* * *

## Important Specimen & Medical Note

The Accurex LPM-101 supports multiple specimen types, but correct specimen selection, collection and preparation are essential parts of the analytical process.

Always verify:

-   Specimen type
-   Meter sample setting
-   Appropriate anticoagulant
-   Correct sample volume
-   Specimen temperature
-   Testing time after collection
-   Strip compatibility
-   Code-chip matching

Professional testing facilities should follow their own specimen-collection procedures and applicable laboratory or regulatory requirements in addition to the manufacturer's instructions.

Unexpected, abnormal or clinically important lipid results should be interpreted by an appropriate healthcare professional and confirmed using a suitable laboratory method where indicated.

**These diagnostic products are non-returnable and non-exchangeable.**  
Please verify the **meter model, compatible test strip, specimen requirement and pack configuration before placing your order**.  
Genuine cases involving an **incorrect product received** will be handled separately according to Microsidd.com's applicable policies and applicable law.  
**An original, continuous, unedited and uncut unboxing video is compulsory for making a claim regarding an incorrect product received.**

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> Source: [Microsidd India](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/accurex-lipid-profile-meter-capillary-vs-venous-blood-serum-plasma)