Validation of Serum Sodium Levels Through Capillary Blood Collection Via Finger Prick Compared to Standard Venous Blood Sampling

Currently, serum sodium levels are determined by standard venous blood sampling. This method is invasive, painful and a relatively large amount of blood is drawn (5ml). Repeated blood draws are necessary in certain patient groups. If sodium values can be determined on a capillary blood sample instead of a classic venous blood sample, the total blood volume will be smaller. In addition, in the future, the aim is to perform capillary blood sampling at home and to send the sample by courier, thus saving the patient a trip to the doctor's office or a nurse at home.

The aim of this prospective interventional study is to validate the sodium values on a capillary blood sample obtained via fingerstick (250µL). To demonstrate that the obtained values are reliable and clinically useful they will be compared one-on-one with the sodium values determined on a standard venous blood sample. Since it is important to validate a broad range of sodium values, a heterogeneous study population is chosen to obtain sufficient variation.

Patients admitted to the Urology department at UZ Gent will be informed verbally and in writing about the content and purpose of the study. If they are interested in participating, they will be asked to sign the consent form. At the moment the already planned venous blood collection, a capillary blood sample will be taken as well via a finger prick. A number of blood drops (250 µL) are collected in a standard Lithium-Heparin tube and will be collected by lab Maenhout for further analysis. The venous blood sample, which is taken as part of the therapy/diagnosis (independent of the study, standard of care) during admission, is analyzed by the clinical lab of UZ Gent.

The sodium values from the capillary blood draw will be compared with the values from the venous blood draw, with each patient acting as their own control. There is no need to have the venous blood samples analyzed by Labo Maenhout, as the clinical lab of UZ Gent uses the same technique for sodium determination (indirect determination) as Labo Maenhout.

The sodium values obtained through capillary and venous blood sampling will be statistically analyzed using a Passing-Bablok regression model.