The Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor can be used with both:

• Capillary whole blood

• Venous whole blood

According to ACON, the Mission Hb system requires approximately 10 µL of whole blood and provides a hemoglobin result in under 15 seconds.

This flexibility makes the meter useful in different point-of-care settings.

However, capillary and venous blood are not collected in the same way, and results from the two specimen types should not automatically be expected to be numerically identical.

This guide explains the difference.

Quick Answer

If rapid point-of-care testing is required, capillary blood from a finger prick is convenient and practical.

If a more standardised laboratory-style specimen is required, venous blood generally provides greater sampling consistency when collected and handled correctly.

WHO guidance recommends venous blood measured using automated hematology analysers as the preferred approach for assessing hemoglobin concentration when feasible, while recognising that point-of-care capillary testing remains useful where venous testing is impractical.

What Blood Samples Can Mission Hb Use?

ACON specifies the Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor for:

Capillary and venous whole blood

with a specimen volume of approximately:

10 µL

The system measures Hb using reflectance photometry and provides a calculated hematocrit value.

What Is Capillary Blood?

Capillary blood is commonly collected by pricking the fingertip using a sterile lancet.

A small drop of blood is then collected and transferred to the Mission Hb test strip according to the manufacturer's procedure.

Advantages of Capillary Blood

Capillary sampling is:

• Fast

• Minimally invasive

• Convenient

• Suitable for point-of-care testing

• Useful where venous collection facilities are limited

• Practical for field or screening environments

This is one of the major advantages of portable Hb meters.

What Is Venous Blood?

Venous blood is collected from a vein, usually by a trained healthcare or laboratory professional.

The specimen is collected into an appropriate blood collection tube and can then be tested using compatible procedures.

Venous blood is commonly used for:

• Complete blood counts

• Hematology analysers

• Laboratory Hb testing

• Clinical investigations requiring broader hematology information

Mission Hb: Capillary vs Venous Blood Comparison

Feature	Capillary Blood	Venous Blood
Collection method	Finger prick	Venipuncture
Convenience	Very high	Requires phlebotomy
Sample volume needed for Mission Hb	Approx. 10 µL	Approx. 10 µL
Suitable for Mission Hb	Yes	Yes
Point-of-care use	Excellent	Possible
Sampling consistency	More technique-sensitive	Generally more standardised
Common laboratory use	Less common	Very common
CBC compatibility	No direct CBC from finger prick on Mission Hb	Venous blood commonly used for CBC
Main advantage	Speed and convenience	Standardised specimen collection

Why Can Capillary and Venous Hb Results Differ?

WHO notes that hemoglobin concentration can vary according to the blood source used for measurement and that differences have been observed between capillary and venous specimens.

Several factors contribute.

1. Sampling Site Is Different

Capillary blood is collected from very small vessels near the skin surface.

Venous blood is obtained directly from a vein.

These samples are therefore not identical in origin.

2. Capillary Collection Is More Technique-Sensitive

Finger-prick Hb measurement can be affected by how the sample is obtained.

Potential sources of variation include:

• Excessive finger squeezing

• Poor blood flow

• Cold hands

• Residual alcohol

• Moisture

• Inadequate puncture

• Irregular blood drop formation

• Incorrect transfer of blood to the strip

WHO has specifically highlighted the variability that can occur with single-drop capillary blood specimens.

Why Excessive Finger Squeezing Should Be Avoided

When a fingertip does not produce enough blood, users may squeeze or “milk” the finger strongly.

This should be avoided.

Excessive squeezing can introduce tissue fluid into the specimen and alter the composition of the blood drop.

For better sampling:

• Warm cold hands naturally.

• Position the hand appropriately.

• Use an adequate sterile lancet.

• Allow blood to flow naturally.

• Avoid aggressive squeezing.

Should the First Drop of Blood Be Used?

Finger-prick sampling procedures may differ according to the specific testing system and professional protocol.

The safest approach for Mission Hb is to follow the current manufacturer instructions supplied with the meter and strip pack.

Do not automatically apply general blood-testing rules from another meter because sample collection recommendations can differ between systems.

Make Sure the Finger Is Completely Dry

If alcohol is used to prepare the puncture site:

Allow it to dry completely before lancing.

Residual alcohol or moisture can contaminate or dilute the specimen.

This is especially important when working with a small sample volume such as Mission Hb's approximately 10 µL requirement.

Why 10 µL Sample Volume Matters

Mission Hb is designed to use approximately:

10 µL of whole blood

ACON's procedure describes applying this specimen using a capillary tube.

Using too little blood can lead to:

• Incomplete strip filling

• Test failure

• Error messages

• Poor repeatability

Using a controlled sample-transfer procedure is therefore preferable to guessing the blood volume.

Advantages of Capillary Blood with Mission Hb

Capillary testing is especially useful when:

• A rapid Hb result is required

• Venous collection is inconvenient

• Testing is being performed outside a full laboratory

• Only a small blood sample is desirable

• Point-of-care screening is being performed

Mission Hb is specifically designed for point-of-care use and portable operation.

Limitations of Capillary Blood

Capillary blood is convenient, but convenience comes with greater dependence on sampling technique.

WHO guidance notes that single-drop capillary blood can introduce substantial measurement variability in some settings, particularly in population-level anemia assessment.

This does not mean that capillary testing is unusable.

It means that good collection technique is essential.

Advantages of Venous Blood

Venous blood offers several practical advantages for standardisation:

• More controlled specimen collection

• Larger available blood volume

• Easier repeat analysis from the same specimen

• Common use in laboratories

• Suitable for automated hematology analysers

• Can support additional tests beyond Hb

WHO recommends venous blood with automated hematology analysers as the preferred approach when accurate population or clinical Hb assessment is required and such facilities are available.

Can Venous Blood Be Tested on Mission Hb?

Yes.

ACON lists venous whole blood as an acceptable specimen type for Mission Hb.

However, the venous specimen must still be handled according to the Mission Hb manufacturer's instructions.

Do not assume that any stored blood sample is automatically suitable.

Consider:

• Appropriate anticoagulant

• Sample age

• Mixing

• Storage

• Handling

• Temperature

• Timing

Follow the current package insert for the exact specimen requirements.

Mix Venous Blood Properly Before Testing

Blood cells can settle when a venous specimen remains stationary.

Therefore, laboratory specimens may require proper mixing before an aliquot is taken.

Mix gently according to laboratory procedure.

Do not shake blood tubes aggressively, as improper handling can damage the specimen.

Can Mission Hb and CBC Be Performed from the Same Venous Sample?

Potentially, depending on the specimen type, anticoagulant, laboratory procedure and manufacturer's instructions.

A laboratory may collect venous whole blood for a CBC and use an appropriate sample for compatible point-of-care comparison testing.

However, professional laboratories should follow:

• Their validated SOP

• Tube requirements

• Instrument instructions

• Quality-control procedures

Why Venous Blood Is Often Better for Method Comparison

Suppose a laboratory wants to compare Mission Hb with an automated hematology analyser.

Using the same properly collected venous specimen reduces one important source of variability.

If Mission Hb is tested using capillary blood while the laboratory uses venous blood, the comparison includes:

1. Difference between the two instruments, and

2. Difference between the two specimen sources.

Using the same venous specimen allows a more controlled analytical comparison.

Mission Hb Manufacturer Performance by Sample Type

ACON provides separate correlation data for Mission Hb using venous and capillary blood.

Venous Blood

Y = 0.9582X + 0.5673
R² = 0.992

Capillary Blood

Y = 1.006X + 0.026
R² = 0.993

These manufacturer results demonstrate strong correlation in its validation data for both specimen types.

However, correlation does not mean that every individual capillary result will exactly match a venous laboratory value.

Should Capillary and Venous Hb Values Be Converted?

No universal adjustment should simply be applied to convert a capillary Hb result into a venous result.

WHO specifically notes that variation exists between capillary and venous Hb measurements, but the magnitude of variation is not sufficiently consistent to provide a universal adjustment.

Therefore, avoid rules such as:

“Add X g/dL to every capillary result.”

or

“Subtract X from every finger-prick result.”

Such fixed conversions are not reliable.

Which Sample Should You Use for Mission Hb?

The best specimen depends on the purpose of testing.

Use Capillary Blood When:

• Rapid point-of-care Hb testing is required

• Finger-prick collection is more practical

• Venipuncture is unnecessary

• Testing is performed in a clinic, field or screening environment

• Immediate results are useful

Consider Venous Blood When:

• A venous specimen is already available

• Testing is being compared with a laboratory analyser

• Standardised sampling is important

• Multiple laboratory investigations are being performed

• Professional laboratory protocols require it

For Routine Point-of-Care Mission Hb Testing

A correctly collected capillary sample is one of the most practical ways to use Mission Hb.

Focus on:

1. Clean and dry hands

2. Correct lancet technique

3. Good blood flow

4. Minimal squeezing

5. Approximately 10 µL sample

6. Correct capillary-tube transfer

7. Proper strip application

For Laboratory Comparison

If the purpose is to evaluate how Mission Hb compares with a CBC analyser, using a properly handled venous sample may provide a cleaner comparison.

This reduces variability caused by comparing finger-prick blood with venous blood.

Can Different Fingers Produce Different Hb Results?

Some variation is possible.

Possible reasons include:

• Different blood flow

• Temperature

• Sampling technique

• Pressure applied to the finger

• Size of the blood drop

• Tissue-fluid contamination

If repeat testing is necessary, use a consistent and correct sampling technique.

What If a Capillary Mission Hb Result Seems Too Low?

Review:

• Finger squeezing

• Residual alcohol

• Sample volume

• Strip filling

• Strip storage

• Strip expiry

• Coding/calibration

• Meter operating conditions

Repeat testing with a new strip may be appropriate if a procedural problem is suspected.

If the result remains unexpectedly low or is clinically important, laboratory confirmation should be considered.

What If a Capillary Mission Hb Result Seems Too High?

Use the same systematic review.

Check:

• Sampling technique

• Specimen volume

• Strip condition

• Meter setup

• Environmental conditions

• Repeatability

Do not continue repeating tests until a preferred result appears.

Mission Hb Sample Collection Checklist

Before testing capillary blood:

✓ Wash and dry hands
✓ Allow alcohol to dry completely if used
✓ Use a sterile lancet
✓ Avoid excessive squeezing
✓ Obtain an adequate blood drop
✓ Collect approximately 10 µL
✓ Apply the specimen correctly
✓ Use a fresh Mission Hb strip

For venous blood:

✓ Use an appropriate whole-blood specimen
✓ Follow the manufacturer's anticoagulant requirements
✓ Mix correctly where required
✓ Avoid clotted samples
✓ Follow storage and timing requirements
✓ Transfer approximately 10 µL correctly

Capillary vs Venous Blood: Which Is More Accurate?

This question needs careful wording.

Venous blood collected and measured using a well-controlled laboratory system generally provides a more standardised reference approach.

WHO recommends venous blood with automated hematology analysers for assessing Hb where feasible.

Capillary blood remains valuable for point-of-care testing because it is fast and practical, but the result can be more sensitive to collection technique.

Therefore, it is better to think in terms of:

Convenience vs sampling standardisation

rather than simply calling one specimen “good” and the other “bad.”

Mission Hb Does Not Require a Large Blood Sample

One major advantage of Mission Hb is its small specimen requirement.

Only approximately:

10 µL whole blood

is required.

This makes it well suited for rapid testing where only a small amount of blood is available.

Important Difference: Hb Test vs Complete Blood Count

Mission Hb provides:

• Hemoglobin

• Calculated hematocrit

A full laboratory CBC may provide:

• Hemoglobin

• Hematocrit

• RBC count

• WBC count

• Platelet count

• MCV

• MCH

• MCHC

• RDW

• Other hematology parameters

Therefore, even when venous blood is used, Mission Hb does not become a complete hematology analyser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Mission Hb use finger-prick blood?

Yes. Mission Hb accepts capillary whole blood.

Can Mission Hb use venous blood?

Yes. Venous whole blood is also listed as an acceptable specimen.

How much blood is required?

Approximately 10 µL.

Which is better for Mission Hb: capillary or venous blood?

Both are supported. Capillary blood is more convenient for point-of-care testing, while venous blood generally offers more standardised specimen collection.

Should capillary Hb always equal venous Hb?

No. Differences can occur because of blood source and sampling technique.

Can I convert a capillary Hb result into a venous result?

There is no universal conversion factor. WHO notes that the variability is not sufficiently predictable for a general adjustment.

Why does finger squeezing matter?

Excessive squeezing can introduce tissue fluid and make capillary sampling less consistent.

Should alcohol dry before testing?

Yes. The puncture site should be completely dry.

Is venous blood preferred when comparing Mission Hb with a laboratory CBC?

Using the same venous specimen can reduce specimen-source variation and make method comparison more controlled.

Should an unexpected capillary Hb result be confirmed?

Clinically important or persistently unexpected results may warrant laboratory confirmation.

Related Mission Hb Guides

Mission Hb Complete Guide

/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hemoglobin-monitor-test-strips-complete-guide

How to Use Mission Hb

/blogs/knowledge-hub/how-to-use-mission-hemoglobin-monitor

Mission Hb Test Strip Compatibility Guide

/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hb-test-strip-compatibility-guide

Mission Hb Troubleshooting Guide

/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hb-meter-troubleshooting-error-guide

Mission Hb Accuracy vs Laboratory CBC Guide

/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hb-accuracy-vs-lab-cbc

Mission Hb Strip Expiry & Storage Guide

Link to the existing Mission Hb storage article.

Mission Hb Products Available from Microsidd

Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor with 10 Strips

Portable hemoglobin testing system suitable for capillary or venous whole-blood testing.

View product:
https://microsidd.com/products/mission-hb-hemoglobin-monitor-with-10-strips

Mission Hb Test Strips – 50 Strips

Compatible refill strips for the Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor.

View product:
https://microsidd.com/products/mission-hb-strips-pack-of-50-strips

Mission Hb Monitor with 50-Strip Refill Combo

Meter and compatible refill-strip combination for users requiring a larger testing quantity.

View product:
https://microsidd.com/products/mission-hb-monitor-with-50-strips

Important Note

Mission Hb supports both capillary and venous whole blood, but specimen collection technique is an important part of reliable hemoglobin testing.

Follow the latest Mission Hb manufacturer's instructions for acceptable specimens, sample transfer, anticoagulants and testing procedure.

Unexpected or clinically important Hb results may require confirmation using an appropriate laboratory method and professional medical interpretation.

Buy Genuine Mission Hb Products from Microsidd.com

Microsidd supplies Mission Hb meters, compatible test strips and other hemoglobin testing products for laboratories, clinics, healthcare professionals and individual users.

Before ordering, verify the exact meter model, compatible strip, specimen requirements and pack size.

Explore Mission Hb products at Microsidd.com.