FAQ
General Usage & FAQs
Whether you are a patient seeking to understand how to use our self-sampling device at home, or a laboratory professional wishing to learn how the devices should be processed once they are shipped back to your facility, our clear instructional videos and written explanations will give you all the information you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few answers to our most common questions.
Ordering
How do I place an order for Capitainer® products?
Contact us at order@capitainer.se or use our request pricing form.
How long is the delivery time?
Normally we handle and ship orders within 24-48 hours. Shipping time may vary depending on end location.
What are the payment terms?
Please read our standard terms and conditions.
What is the cost of Capitainer® devices?
Please contact us at info@capitainer.se or use our request pricing form.
Technology
Can I use the Capitainer®B outside the specified HCT range (25-55 %)?
The product is not verified to be used outside the specified range. Hence, we cannot guarantee correct product performance in these circumstances.
Can I use freeze-dried blood?
No, the product is not specified for this, and it may affect the performance of the Capitainer® technology.
How can I access the sample from the Capitainer®B?
The sample is collected on an Ahlstrom paper disc. This can be accessed from the reverse side of the card, either with tweezers or by one of our automation solutions.
Can I pipette venous blood on the Capitainer®B?
As Captitainer®B is designed for use with blood derived from finger-pricking, i.e. using fresh blood, there are some aspects to consider if you do your validation experiments with control venous blood and pipetting in the lab.
- Do not use blood older than three days. This must be stored in the refrigerator and allowed to come to room temperature before using it on the cards.
- All blood samples should be well mixed gently using a rocker, prior to application to the card.
- If you use a syringe dispenser, you should make sure to apply blood to the cards within 5 minutes from the last mixing.
- Lyophilized blood products may not work.
Please note that the applied blood drop needs to be a minimum of 18µl on the Capitainer®B 10µl cards.
Applications
What applications can be run with the Capitainer® device?
In general most applications that can be run with traditional DBS. Please check out our reference library.
How can I ship the Capitainer® device?
The system is designed to be shipped in the breathable drying pouch. The customer is responsible for confirming their own shipping methods and shipping conditions.
For how long can I store the sampled paper disc?
Storage times depend on storage conditions and the determined stability for each analyte. For guidance, please refer to existing reference material for DBS samples, examples of which are included in the links below.
Stability of Proteins in Dried Blood Spot Biobanks
Dried blood spots: Effects of less than optimal collection, shipping time, heat, and humidity
Supplier and Partnering Questions
How do I partner with Capitainer or become a supplier?
Contact us at order@capitainer.se.
How To Use
I have failed with the sampling…
Please contact your test provider.
I’m not sure how to use the device.
Please follow the included instructions, if still not sure then contact your test provider.
How do I know my sampling was succesful?
Please check the outlet window for color change as described in the included instructions.
I have pricked my finger but there is no blood.
Warm hands, stand up, shake your hands and use the spare lancet.
Haven’t found the answer?
Can’t find an answer to your question? Please get in touch and we will reply as soon as possible.