Proprietary Technology

In DBS, the actual amount of blood in the spot is unknown.

Capitainer’s microfluidic technology automatically meters blood with exceptional precision—comparable to a pipette

The metered volume remains consistent regardless of the amount of blood applied or its hematocrit level.

DBS cards require one or several sub‑punches taken from specific locations—adding variability and manual workload.​

Capitainer cards eliminate sub‑punching entirely; simply transfer the pre‑cut, volumetrically metered sample disk for analysis.​

Flexible automation options are available for Capitainer card processing, scalable to any throughput—from low‑volume labs to fully automated high‑volume workflows.

Differences in blood spot size, haematocrit and punch location substantially affect measured concentrations.

Different analytes behave differently in DBS punches, leading to variability in measured results.​

Capitainer eliminates this variability by always analyzing the entire, precisely metered sample volume.​

The hematocrit effect in DBS:​Higher hematocrit → thicker blood → less spreading on filter paper → smaller DBS spot.​

Why punch volume differs: ​
A DBS punch collects area, not fluid volume. ​
High Hct = compact spot (more blood in the same punch). ​
Low Hct = larger spot (less blood in the same punch).​

In Capitainer, the sample volume is precisely metered, and the microfluidic system is unaffected by hematocrit—ensuring consistently reliable results.

CDC guidelines require DBS cards to dry for at least 3–4 hours at room temperature in a horizontal position—longer in high humidity—while ensuring the spots are not touched.​

Capitainer sample discs are protected within the device, allowing them to dry during transport and enabling immediate packaging right after sampling.

Shipping of dried blood:

Dried specimens, DBS and Capitainer, are exempt from classification as dangerous goods and may therefore be shipped using standard postal services

This guidance is documented in the WHO publication “Guidance on regulations for the transport of infectious substances” [1] and is reflected in multiple national regulations, such as CDCs guidelines [2].

DBS samples are vulnerable to contamination both before sampling—from blood on the fingertip—and after sampling during open‑air drying, sample, shipment and sample storage.​

Capitainer cards significantly reduce post‑sampling contamination risk by protecting the sample within an enclosed, embedded collection disc.

Standard DBS is prone to numerous user errors—most of which are eliminated with Capitainer

Capitainer’s built‑in sampling indicator provides immediate confirmation of successful collection, enabling quality control at the point of sampling before the sample even reaches the lab​.