Preparing Dried Blood Spot (DBS) Cards for PNG

• Pipette 25 L of blood from Microtainer onto each circle on the DBS card. If blood is left after circles have been filled, use the spaces next to each circle to pipette the rest of the blood.

• Do not allow the spots to overlap each other or the straight lines on the card.

Preparation of DBS Card

Preparation of DBS Card• Open the DBS box and set it on

end. Place the filled DBS card into the slots so that the card lies horizontally. Do not let the card touch other cards in the box.

• Set the fan up ~20 centimeters (~8 inches) from the open box and allow the breeze to blow across the cards. Allow to dry for approximately 10 minutes before closing and transporting the box.

Working with the DBS Cards

• Dried blood spots should be completely dry before packing. Stack dried blood spots with weighing paper between the cards.

Storing the DBS Cards

• Pack dried blood spots in low gas-permeable bags. Add desiccant packs and Humonitor card. Check the Humonitor card each evening, and replace it and the desiccant packs if any of the Humonitor card spots are turning pink.

Monitoring/Changing the DBS Box

• If the DBS box starts to fall apart, take the wooden inserts out and insert them into a new DBS box (broken down in Ziploc bags)

• Humidity monitor can be used (keep probe in DBS box when closed) to monitor metal desiccant box. Metal box can be used again after the moisture has been driven out by heating.