Analysis of the use of dried blood spot measurements in disease screening.

The collection of dried blood spots on filter paper offers a powerful tool in screening programs and in large population-based surveys. The method has the advantage of being less invasive and relatively painless and is particularly suitable for collection in neonates and the elderly. Blood can be collected and transported economically without requiring a cold chain. The use of blood spots for the measurement of insulin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and triglycerides is reported. A good correlation between measurement of these analytes in dried blood and sera suggests that the method is valid and has the potential to be used for the screening of cardiometabolic risk factors. This method of blood collection is particularly suited for developing countries where cost cutting is important.