In what situation is capillary blood preferred over venous blood?

Capillary blood is preferred over venous blood particularly for infants or small children where obtaining venous access can be difficult and more traumatic. In such cases, the capillaries, which are the smallest blood vessels close to the surface of the skin, can be accessed easily with a simple prick, allowing for sufficient blood collection without the need for a needle and syringe. This method minimizes discomfort and potential complications associated with venipuncture in a pediatric population.

While other options may present situations where venous blood is typically collected, they do not address the specific challenges associated with accessing veins in young children. Capillary collections are efficient for smaller blood volumes, making them more suitable for this age group, further emphasizing the advantages of using capillary blood in these circumstances.