Blood Drug Testing

How reliable are fingerstick blood tests?

Each of my kids have had false positives with the fingerstick test. When we went back to have blood drawn by vein, all was ok. There was a significant difference between the tests. I know that the fingerstick can become contaminated, the hand can be "dirty"...etc. Are there any other reasons the fingerstick tests can come back higher? What about if the kid is squirmy--takes a long time to get blood, and the blood coagulates? One test was for white blood count, the other two tests were lead screens.

Public Comments

1. The main problem with finger sticks is not enough blood for an accurate count on much of anything. Good starter but, not to be relied on as the gospel. Most blood test require some fasting time to be as accurate as possible. You did the right thing having full test done...good for you. Charlie C.