Comparison of capillary and venous blood in the analysis of concentration and function of leucocyte sub-populations

Purpose Compare capillary and venous blood in the analysis of concentration and function of leucocyte sub-populations. This study hypothesised that capillary samples may be used in a site-specific manner as an alternative source of blood samples for assays of leucocyte concentration and neutrophilic phagocytic function and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, allowing acquisition of multiple samples to better monitor transient but significant post-exercise immune modulation. Methods Resting blood samples were simultaneously obtained from vein, finger and earlobe of healthy subjects ( n = 10, age: 25.1 ± 3.1 years). Leucocyte concentrations were measured using a five-part differential haematological analyser. Leucocyte sub-populations (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD56, CD14) and granulocytic functional-related (CD11b, CD18, CD16b, CD66b) surface antigen markers, neutrophil phagocytosis (FITC-labelled Escherichia coli ) and stimulated ROS production (DHR) were quantified utilizing flow cytometry. A MANOVA ( α