What is the primary reason for performing a fingerstick?

The primary reason for performing a fingerstick is to obtain blood for testing when venipuncture is not possible. This technique is particularly useful in situations where accessing a vein is difficult due to various factors such as obesity, dehydration, or if a patient has small or collapsed veins. Fingerstick blood collection allows for quick and efficient testing, especially in point-of-care situations or for monitoring glucose levels in diabetic patients. The ability to collect a small amount of blood conveniently from a fingertip makes this method essential in many clinical scenarios.

While reducing discomfort for patients can be a benefit of using a fingerstick compared to venipuncture, especially for pediatric patients or those with anxiety about needles, the primary objective remains the acquisition of blood samples when other methods may not be viable. Similarly, collecting multiple samples at once is generally more feasible with venipuncture than with a fingerstick, and while avoiding hospital settings can be advantageous in some cases, it is not the primary reason for opting for a fingerstick.