PTS Collect Blood Collection Capillary Tubes (PTS-2866-HS) – Micro Blood Sampling for Clinical Diagnostics

The PTS Collect Blood Collection Capillary Tube (Henry Schein model PTS-2866-HS) is a precision, micro-volume blood collection device designed for rapid point-of-care testing and laboratory diagnostics. Each tube draws exactly 40 μL of capillary blood, making it ideal for small-volume tests. The innovative design uses a single glass capillary permanently housed in a clear plastic bulb handle. This self-wicking capillary automatically pulls blood into the tube by capillary action, eliminating the need for external pipettes or plungers. Clinicians can collect and dispense the sample with one hand: simply touch the tube tip to the blood drop and the integrated plastic bulb lets you control release of the precise volume onto test devices. According to PTS Diagnostics, these capillary tubes “provide speed, efficiency and savings” over traditional blood transfer methods The result is faster, more consistent blood draws – essential for high patient throughput and accurate results in blood glucose, lipid, and other point-of-care tests.

• Quick, Reliable Sampling: Each PTS Collect microcapillary tube rapidly fills via capillary action, delivering a fixed 40 μL volume with no guesswork. The clear glass and casing let you easily verify the fill level.
• Easy One-Hand Operation: The attached plastic bulb handle enables one-handed collection and dispensing. Gently squeeze the bulb to expel the sample onto a test strip or into an analyzer, ensuring consistent performance.
• Improved Efficiency & Cost Savings: By using a single pre-calibrated tube, the PTS system cuts steps and waste. PTS reports that these tubes are “more efficient” and offer “significant savings over traditional blood transfer tubes”. No additional plungers or auxiliary tools are needed.
• Medical-Grade Quality: Manufactured for clinical use, each capillary is precision-made for safe blood collection. The smooth glass tube minimizes hemolysis, and the sealed plastic bulb reduces contamination risk. These tubes are ideal for health-monitoring devices and CLIA-waived tests.

Uses and Applications

PTS Collect capillary tubes are used anywhere precise micro-volume blood samples are required. They are especially popular in point-of-care health screenings and laboratory settings for tests like cholesterol panels, blood glucose, and other vital diagnostics. Examples of uses include:

• Cardiometabolic Health Screening: Used with point-of-care analyzers (e.g., CardioChek® Plus, PTS Diagnostics systems) for lipid panel tests (total cholesterol, HDL/LDL, triglycerides) and glucose tests. Rapid on-site results (often <2 minutes) help assess heart attack, stroke, and diabetes risk.
• Diabetes Monitoring: Ideal for HbA1c and blood sugar testing in diabetic patients. The exact 40 μL volume ensures accurate glucose readings with glucometers and PTS diabetes test strips.
• Microhematology (Hematocrit/Hemoglobin): Suitable for micro-hematocrit determination. After filling and sealing the ends with clay, the tubes can be centrifuged to measure packed cell volume or hemoglobin. The tube’s design “is ideal for accurate micro-hematocrit determinations,” ensuring safe blood handling.
• Pediatric and Geriatric Sampling: When only a tiny blood sample can be drawn (e.g., from infants, children, or elderly patients with fragile veins), these capillary tubes collect sufficient volume for testing without multiple punctures.
• Clinical and Home Health: Used by physicians, nurses, and medical labs for routine blood collection in clinics, doctor’s offices, hospitals, and mobile health screenings. Also useful for at-home testing kits that require precise blood pipetting (e.g., certain cholesterol or metabolic test kits).
• Public Health Screenings: Community wellness events and pharmacy clinics use these tubes for on-site screening of blood glucose and lipids, speeding up workflow and patient throughput.

Specifications

• Model/Part Number: PTS Collect Capillary Tube (Henry Schein PTS-2866-HS).
• Volume Capacity: Fixed 40 μL liquid fill (microfluidic precision).
• Material: Single-ended soda-lime glass capillary with clear plastic casing/bulb. The casing (handle) is securely attached and designed to never disassemble during use.
• Color: Transparent (clear glass and plastic) for easy sample visibility.
• Sterility: Non-sterile. Intended for collection of capillary (fingerstick) blood samples only. Not for sterile IV use or injection. (Handle with gloves and standard infection control.)
• Additive: None – plain, non-heparinized (untreated) tube. Blood will clot if not tested promptly or mixed with anticoagulant. (For true hematocrit measurements, use these plain capillaries with a clay seal, as dressing.)
• Quantity: Pack contains 16 tubes per bag. Each bag is sealed for contamination control. Multiple bags can be ordered as needed.
• Dimensions (approx.): ~75 mm length, 1.5 mm outer diameter (consistent with standard capillary tubes). The compact size fits most point-of-care analyzers’ sample ports.
• Operating Conditions: Use at room temperature. Store in original packaging. (Do not autoclave or reuse.)
• Compliance: Manufactured for clinical diagnostic use. Compatible with PTS Diagnostics systems, CardioChek analyzers, and other CLIA-waived testing platforms for blood biochemical markers.

How to Use

1. Prepare Equipment: Wear gloves and gather a sterile lancet, alcohol swab, gauze, and the PTS Collect capillary tube. Warm the patient’s finger (e.g., by rubbing or dipping in warm water) to encourage blood flow.
2. Clean and Puncture: Clean the puncture site with an alcohol pad and let it air-dry. Use a lancet to make a quick puncture on the finger’s side. Gently press or milk the finger to form a large drop of blood.
3. Collect the Sample: Remove one capillary tube from the pack. Without touching the tip, hold the plastic bulb by pinching the base of the glass. Touch the open glass tip to the blood drop; capillary action will “wick” the blood into the tube up to the 40 μL fill line. You will hear/feel the tube fill. Fill gently and avoid air bubbles by keeping the tube slightly angled down once blood enters.
4. Verify Volume: Look at the clear tube to ensure the blood has reached the marked capacity (40 μL). If underfilled, gently re-anchor to another drop and draw more blood. If overfilled, gently squeeze some blood back until the correct level is reached.
5. Dispense the Sample: Insert the filled tube into the test device (e.g., place over a CardioChek or PTS analyzer sample port) or onto a test strip/reagent. Squeeze the plastic bulb slowly to release the blood. The tube is engineered for even dispensing, so all 40 μL is delivered. For some devices, you may slide the tube’s open end along the collection area to wash out the sample.
6. For Hematocrit Testing: After collection, seal the ends of the filled tube with capillary clay or sealant. Then centrifuge the tube as directed by your lab protocol to obtain hematocrit or packed cell volume. (These tubes, like other microcapillary tubes, are made for “safe blood collection” and accurate micro-hematocrit analysis.)
7. Clean and Dispose: Wipe away any excess blood from the work area. Dispose of the used capillary tube in a sharps or biohazard container. Never reuse the tube – it is single-use. Wash hands and follow standard infection-control protocols.

Each PTS Collect capillary tube provides a fast, mess-free way to capture a precise micro sample of blood for testing. By following these steps, healthcare professionals ensure reliable blood glucose, cholesterol, hematology, or other assay results. Always adhere to device-specific instructions and local biohazard disposal regulations when using any blood collection tube.