Remote capillary blood collection for HbA1c measurement during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A laboratory and patient perspective

Aims The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical performance and user acceptance of capillary blood samples prepared remotely using the MiniCollect® capillary blood collection device as an alternative to blood collection by venepuncture for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) analysis. Methods Following written informed consent, a cross‐sectional study was conducted in individuals aged ≥18 years with any type of diabetes who routinely self‐monitor their blood glucose. Eligible participants recruited whilst attending their routine clinical appointments were required to provide a venous blood sample, prepare a capillary blood sample at home (remotely) and complete a bespoke questionnaire. HbA1c in whole blood collected in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was determined by capillary electrophoresis on the Sebia Capillary's 3 Tera analyser following standard operating procedure. Results HbA1c results from both venous and capillary collection demonstrated good agreement. Passing‐Bablok regression: y = 0 + 1x (p = 0.18), Spearman correlation r = 0.986, p