The C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein that plays a role in inflammation. Furthermore, CRP is a biomarker used in blood analyzer diagnostics to predict the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and monitor bacterial and viral infections. Venipuncture is still required to measure plasma CRP and must be performed by trained phlebotomists. As a solution, dried blood spots (DBS) are used for minimally invasive at-home blood sampling and can be mailed to diagnostic laboratories.
The researchers included 53 patients in the study. Blood was spotted on a filter paper card using a capillary finger stick and allowed to dry. After extraction of DBS, CRP was analyzed on an automated high-throughput blood analyzer.
An excellent regression analysis allowed for correctly classifying people at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, CRP remained stable for 31 days, and the observed hematocrit variation among patients was clinically acceptable. CRP from DBS can be accurately measured using an automated high-throughput blood analyzer and used to diagnose inflammation and classify high CVD risk. Individuals can use this method to perform at-home blood sampling on DBS for (tele)diagnostics, screening programs, patient follow-up, and medication management.
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