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Vol. 1 No. 2 (2024)

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Submitted
November 9, 2026
Published
December 31, 2024

Copyright (c) 2024 Adel Hamad Ahmed Awaji, Mohammed Essa Maqbul Oraybi, Joawid Mohammed Ali Alshogairan, Hatim Mohammed Hamad Oraybi

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Microsampling and Dried Blood Spot / Capillary Matrices in Routine Clinical Biochemistry: Analytical Validation, Reference Interval Challenges, and Implementation Barriers in Adult and Pediatric Practice

https://doi.org/10.64483/202412822
Adel Hamad Ahmed Awaji
Al Muwassam General Hospital, Jazan Health Cluster, Ministry of health, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Essa Maqbul Oraybi
Al Muwassam General Hospital, Jazan Health Cluster, Ministry of health, Saudi Arabia
Joawid Mohammed Ali Alshogairan
Al Muwassam General Hospital, Jazan Health Cluster, Ministry of health, Saudi Arabia
Hatim Mohammed Hamad Oraybi
Al Muwassam General Hospital, Jazan Health Cluster, Ministry of health, Saudi Arabia

Corresponding Author(s) : Adel Hamad Ahmed Awaji

aawaji1@moh.gov.sa

Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health, Vol. 1 No. 2 (2024)

Abstract

Background: Microsampling, including dried blood spots (DBS), volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS), and capillary collection devices, offers minimally invasive, remotely deployable alternatives to venipuncture in routine clinical biochemistry. Aim: To appraise analytical validation requirements, reference interval (RI) challenges, and implementation barriers in adult and pediatric practice. Methods: A narrative review of literature published between 2017 and 2024, supplemented by regulatory and standards documents, was synthesised thematically. Results: Hematocrit, volume, punch, extraction, and stability effects dominate analytical risk, while matrix differences between capillary whole blood and venous serum or plasma undermine direct use of established RIs. Pediatric populations gain most from low-volume sampling yet face sparse age-partitioned reference data. Barriers include traceability, accreditation, logistics, and clinician acceptance. Conclusion: Microsampling is fit for defined, validated applications; wider adoption requires matrix-specific validation, dedicated reference intervals, harmonised standards, and structured implementation.

Keywords

microsampling; dried blood spot; volumetric absorptive microsampling; reference intervals; clinical biochemistry.
Awaji, A. H. A., Oraybi, M. E. M., Alshogairan, J. M. A., & Oraybi, H. M. H. (2024). Microsampling and Dried Blood Spot / Capillary Matrices in Routine Clinical Biochemistry: Analytical Validation, Reference Interval Challenges, and Implementation Barriers in Adult and Pediatric Practice. Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health, 1(2), 2618–2627. https://doi.org/10.64483/202412822
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