The collection and analysis of blood samples involve several steps:
1. Collection: Blood is typically collected via venipuncture, where a needle is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm. For certain tests, capillary blood from a finger prick may be sufficient. 2. Storage: Once collected, blood samples are stored under specific conditions to preserve their integrity. This often involves refrigeration or freezing, depending on the analysis to be performed. 3. Laboratory Analysis: Blood samples are analyzed using various techniques, including PCR for detecting genetic material, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for measuring antibodies or antigens, and mass spectrometry for identifying complex molecules.
