2024 · Annals of clinical and translational neurology · open access
Dried blood spot improves global access to aquaporin-4-IgG testing for neuromyelitis optica
Vorasoot et al.
The finding, in our words
Dried blood spot testing for aquaporin-4-IgG achieved 87.0% sensitivity and 100% specificity using a cell-based assay compared to serum reference standards, showing strong correlation (r = 0.82) and specimen stability extending beyond 24 months. These results support the use of dried blood spots as a viable alternative for decentralised neuromyelitis optica diagnostics in resource-limited settings.
A paraphrase to the Library’s standard, never the abstract. The source is one link away and is always the authority.
The study validated a semi-quantitative protocol for Epstein-Barr virus serology using dried blood spots, demonstrating 98.8% sensitivity and 96.5% specificity compared to paired venous serum samples. The successful validation in a self-sampling cohort confirms the suitability of this patient-centric microsampling approach for large-scale seroprevalence studies and decentralised trials.
Capillary samples collected using dried blood spots and Mitra microsamplers showed strong agreement with venous plasma for quantifying IgG antibodies against most vaccine-preventable diseases. Sensitivity was high for the majority of pathogens, though the study noted that antibody stability declined at room temperature over time, favouring cold storage for longer durations.
Ombati et al., Scientific reports (paywalled) · source ↗
Dried blood spot testing achieved high diagnostic accuracy for hepatitis B surface antigen (sensitivity 94.3%, specificity 98.8%), supporting its use in decentralised screening and resource-limited settings. However, sensitivity was lower for anti-HBc (83.6%) and HBV DNA (86.9%) tests, though specificity remained high for both, indicating need for further standardisation.
Wang et al., Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine (paywalled) · source ↗
A 2025 review maps 28 microsampling devices, from dried spots and volumetric absorptive tips to upper-arm liquid capillary collectors, and names what a laboratory must control before their results are used: the haematocrit effect in non-volumetric dried samples, interstitial fluid from finger milking, volume, haemolysis and transport stability. Regulators on both sides of the Atlantic ask for the same two things, a device the patient can use safely and a sample fit for the test.
The authors observe that self-sampling devices for capillary blood are gaining traction as a patient-preferred alternative to venous collection, with one centre reporting a 15 percent reduction in laboratory test volumes when local collection was offered. They argue that successful integration into total laboratory automation requires addressing cost, transport regulations and sample volume adequacy while ensuring robust device design and seamless workflow compatibility.
Poland & Cobbaert, Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine (paywalled) · source ↗