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Care‑Push™
Precise collection and dispensing of capillary blood for microfluidic test discs, cartridges, and point‑of‑care analyzers. Lyophilized anticoagulants — heparin for blood gas, EDTA for hematology.
Microfluidic POCT – Why Capillary Sampling Matters
Microfluidic test discs and cartridges (e.g., blood gas, electrolyte, lactate, coagulation, and chemistry panels) are transforming point‑of‑care testing. They require small, precise volumes (typically 60–100 µL) of whole blood, free from clots, bubbles, and hemolysis. The sample must be delivered directly into the test chamber without air gaps.
Care‑Push™ capillary tubes are designed specifically for this workflow: collect capillary blood by passive filling, then use the integrated plunger to dispense the exact preset volume into the test disc — no pipetting, no transfer errors.
IVD market trend: Microfluidic POCT is growing rapidly, driven by decentralization of testing. Reliable capillary sampling devices are critical to ensure test accuracy and reduce operator variability.
Anticoagulants for Different Applications
Care‑Push™ tubes are available with two lyophilized anticoagulants:
- Balanced lithium heparin (≤15 IU/mL) – for blood gas, electrolyte, and lactate tests. Meets IFCC/CLSI standards for minimal ion binding.
- EDTA K₂/K₃ – for complete blood count (CBC) and hematology tests. Preserves cell morphology and prevents clotting.
Both anticoagulants are lyophilized (freeze‑dried) for instant dissolution — no mixing required, no dilution effect.
Proper capillary collection technique
Warm the puncture site (fingertip or heel) for 3–5 minutes to “arterialize” the capillary bed. Use a lancet to make a quick puncture. Wipe away the first drop, then collect free‑flowing blood directly into the Care‑Push™ tube by capillary action. Do not squeeze or “milk” — this causes hemolysis and tissue fluid contamination.
Reliable dispensing, accurate results
After filling, insert the plunger into the blue‑marked end. Hold the capillary vertical over the test disc inlet, then gently push the plunger to dispense the entire preset volume. The smooth inner surface and precise plunger fit ensure complete transfer — no bubble entrapment, no sample loss. This directly impacts test success rates and reduces repeat testing.
Why Care‑Push™ Optimizes Microfluidic Testing

Every detail is engineered to eliminate preanalytical errors that plague point‑of‑care testing.
Hydrophilic PET Capillary
Smooth, low‑contact‑angle surface ensures rapid, bubble‑free filling. The white venting medium stops blood at the exact preset volume (60 µL or 100 µL).
Lyophilized Anticoagulant
Balanced heparin or EDTA – freeze‑dried for instant dissolution. No mixing required, no clot formation, no dilution errors.
Precision Plunger Dispensing
Blue band marks plunger insertion point. Gentle push delivers the entire sample directly into the test disc/cartridge – no dead volume, no air bubbles.
Microfluidic compatibility: Care‑Push™ tubes are validated for use with leading POCT platforms (blood gas, electrolyte, lactate, and CBC analyzers). The fixed volume and clean dispensing ensure that the test card receives an exact, clot‑free, bubble‑free sample — maximizing first‑pass success.
Product Specifications
Each set includes: 100 capillary tubes in a paper tube + 100 dispensing plungers in a separate paper tube.
| Cat. No. | Anticoagulant | Preset Volume (µL) | Units per Set |
| 176290 | Lyophilized balanced lithium heparin | 100 | 100 tubes + 100 plungers |
| 176250 | Lyophilized balanced lithium heparin | 60 | 100 tubes + 100 plungers |
| 176890 | EDTA‑2K | 100 | 100 tubes + 100 plungers |
| 176850 | EDTA‑2K | 60 | 100 tubes + 100 plungers |
Custom volume & anticoagulant options available: We offer custom preset volumes (e.g., 20 µL, 50 µL) and alternative anticoagulant preparations. For specific requirements or bulk orders, please contact info@metermega.com.
Key References for Capillary Sampling in POCT
- CLSI GP42‑A6: Procedures and Devices for the Collection of Diagnostic Capillary Blood Specimens.
- WHO Guidelines on Drawing Blood: Best Practices in Phlebotomy (2010).
- IFCC “A primer of Point of Care Blood Gas Testing for laboratorians” (2018).
- Folk LA. Guide to capillary heelstick blood sampling in infants. Adv Neonatal Care. 2007.
Care‑Push™ is an IVD accessory intended for professional use. Always follow the test disc/cartridge manufacturer’s instructions for sample volume and handling.


