Newborns present unique challenges: high hematocrit, hypercoagulable state, tiny vessels, and limited total blood volume. MeterOmega CapillaryABG™ redefines neonatal blood gas sampling — micro-volume, ultra-thin needle, and lyophilized heparin that prevents clotting without interference.

Newborns are not small adults. Their unique physiology makes arterial blood gas sampling particularly challenging:

 • High hemoglobin & hematocrit: Neonatal hemoglobin ranges 18–19 g/dL (vs. adult 12–16 g/dL), leading to hyperviscosity and rapid clotting tendency.
 • Unstable coagulation factors: Premature infants have immature hemostatic systems, yet paradoxically, samples clot easily due to high red cell mass.
 • Tiny arteries: Radial artery diameter in neonates is often <1 mm; standard 22G or 23G needles cause trauma and failed punctures.
 • Low blood pressure & limited volume: Total blood volume ~80–95 mL/kg; a traditional 1.6 mL syringe represents up to 2% of total blood volume — a significant iatrogenic loss.

Van Rens et al. (Nurs Crit Care, 2024): In a large NICU study, clotted samples occurred in 3.8% of all blood draws, with needles and IV cannulas accounting for 53% and 38% of clotting events respectively. Interventions that reduced clotting significantly improved patient experience by avoiding repeat sticks1.

The CapillaryABG™ series is purpose-built to overcome neonatal challenges through three breakthrough features:

 • 25G ultra-thin-wall needle — smaller outer diameter reduces trauma, faster flash confirms arterial puncture, and less post-procedure pain.
 •Micro-volume precision (230–310 µL) — matches exact analyzer requirements (most blood gas analyzers need only 65–150 µL), minimizing blood loss and eliminating iatrogenic anemia risk.
 •Lyophilized heparin ≤15 IU/mL — instant dissolution upon blood contact; no mixing required. This prevents the high clotting risk associated with neonatal hypercoagulability while preserving electrolyte balance.

No mixing = No hemolysis = No clotting
Neonatal red cells are fragile. CapillaryABG™’s instant heparin activation eliminates the need for post-draw agitation, preserving sample integrity and preventing microclots that clog blood gas analyzers.

Umbilical cord blood is increasingly used for neonatal blood gas assessment at delivery. MeterOmega capillary samplers offer distinct advantages over traditional syringes.

A large retrospective study in a 112-cot NICU (van Rens et al., 2024) implemented interventions including dedicated blood collection equipment, staff training, and use of devices optimized for neonates. The results:

Clotted sample rate reduced from 4.8% to 2.4% — a 50% reduction.

Needle-associated clotting odds ratio: 4.14 (95% CI 3.34–5.13) — highlighting the critical need for proper device selection.

IV cannula clotting odds ratio: 3.11 (95% CI 2.51–3.86).

MeterOmega CapillaryABG™ addresses both factors: eliminates needle-associated clotting through ultra-thin 25G design and prevents clotting independent of collection method via lyophilized heparin with instant activation.