ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification Practice Exam 2026 - Free Phlebotomy Practice Questions and Study Guide

For glucose testing, capillary blood is often preferred, particularly in point-of-care testing and situations involving fingerstick collections. This type of sample is convenient for quick assessments, making it highly suitable for glucose monitoring in both clinical and home settings, such as with diabetic patients using glucometers.

Capillary blood provides a good indication of the glucose level because it reflects the overall blood glucose levels more rapidly than venous sampling, which can be influenced by the time elapsed since the last meal and other factors. Additionally, capillary blood is easier to collect without the need for specialized equipment or training, which is beneficial for immediate testing scenarios.

While serum, plasma, and whole blood can also be utilized for glucose testing, they are generally less practical for routine or emergency assessments where speed is critical. Plasma and serum typically require more invasive procedures and specialized processing, which may not be as accessible for on-the-spot testing as capillary samples.