4 alternatives to dried blood spot cards

Dried blood spot (DBS) blood collection techniques have long been useful in blood analysis research. DBS cards can reduce costs, and they provide ethical advantages and higher sample retention.

However, DBS cards are not without limitations. Hematocrit level, blood viscosity, analyte nature, and sampling conditions can all affect the blood sample, particularly from an analytical standpoint.

In this article, we compare four alternatives to DBS cards—SPME, PCDBS, DPS, and volumetric absorptive microsampling with Mitra® devices based on VAMS® technology—highlighting their advantages, limitations, and where they may fit in modern research and clinical workflows.

Alternative #1: Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME)

SPME: Integrated sample prep and extraction; requires trained personnel; still influenced by sample properties.

Solid phase microextraction is a sample preparation method that is based on the differential migration of analytes from the sample fluid into the stationary phase: the functionalized silica particles, coated on a BioSPME metal fiber. The method is viable for direct sampling of whole blood, and also for urine, saliva, and tissue.

SPME technique combines sampling, sample preparation, and extraction in one step, reducing blood handling, as well as increasing speed, improving efficiency, and boasting high sensitivity, especially in regard to the influence of blood hematocrit on analysis.

The efficiency of the method is, however, still affected by sample properties. And while SPME is suitable for on-site use, the whole process, unlike DBS, needs to be carried out by trained medical personnel.

Alternative #2: Pre-cut Dried Blood Spot (PCDBS)

PCDBS: Whole-spot analysis to reduce hematocrit bias; not yet suitable for patient self-sampling due to volume needs.

Another technique that was developed to reduce the limitations of DBS, mainly the impact of hematocrit, is pre-cut dried blood spot (PCDBS) microsampling. Instead of using a partial, fixed-sized punch from a DBS sample, PCDBS is based on the whole sample analysis through accurate volumetric applications of blood onto a pre-punched disc.

Other advantages of this sampling method include 100 percent sample utilization, further reducing the needed volume of blood and elimination of carryover concerns related to DBS sample punching workflow.

While well-suited for use in a controlled setting, the PCDBS technique is not yet viable for patient self-sampling situations due to a defined volume of blood required.

Alternative #3:Dried Plasma Spot (DPS)

DPS: Dried plasma spots that reduce hematocrit effects; still a card-based format.

With the development of multi-layer collection membranes, the dried plasma spot (DPS) microsampling technique is carried out with ease and comfort of DBS, without the drawbacks of SPME and PCDBS (no need for a controlled environment), as well as challenges of whole blood analysis (impact of hematocrit).

The technology utilizes a two-layer sampling card, consisting of a separation and a collection polymeric membrane. The plasma from a drop of blood from a finger-stick prick can flow through the separation membrane, forming a plasma spot on the bottom collection membrane after the top layer is peeled off.

Alternative #4: Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling

Volumetric absorptive microsampling (Mitra®): Fixed-volume, hematocrit-independent tips designed for remote and at-home sampling with VAMS® technology.

Volumetric absorptive microsampling is a technique that allows the collection of volumetrically accurate samples of blood without the need for specialized devices.

• Fixed, volumetric collection (10, 20, or 30 µL tip formats)

• Reduced impact of hematocrit on volume

• Suitability for remote / at-home self-collection with finger-stick

• Compatibility with automated lab workflows

The Mitra^_® device consists of a plastic handle with an absorbent VAMS^® tip, with highly reproducible internal porous volume. The VAMS tip, when dipped into the sample, wicks up an accurate volume of blood independently of hematocrit. The whole VAMS tip is extracted without manipulation, providing further advantages over DBS (no punching), while still being fully viable in self-sampling or low-resource scenarios.

The method is also compatible with tip-based automation systems, making it an increasingly fruitful sampling technique from an analytical point of view.

Choosing the right alternative to DBS cards

• SPME may be useful when integrated sample preparation and high sensitivity are priorities and trained personnel are available.

• PCDBS can reduce hematocrit-related bias for whole-spot analysis in controlled settings, but requires larger blood volumes and is not yet suitable for patient self-sampling.

• DPS provides dried plasma instead of whole blood, which can help with some analytical challenges but still relies on card-based workflows.

• Volumetric absorptive microsampling (Mitra® with VAMS®) combines fixed-volume collection, reduced hematocrit impact, and remote sampling capabilities, making it a strong candidate when you need quantitative, decentralized sampling that fits into existing analytical workflows.

Moving Beyond DBS Cards with Volumetric Microsampling

As laboratories and study sponsors seek more reliable, patient-friendly ways to collect and ship blood samples, it becomes clear that traditional DBS cards are only one piece of a much larger microsampling toolkit.

Approaches like SPME, PCDBS, DPS, and volumetric absorptive microsampling each offer different ways to address challenges such as hematocrit effects, sample volume, and workflow complexity.

Among these options, the Mitra® device based on VAMS® technology stands out for its combination of fixed-volume collection, reduced hematocrit bias, and suitability for remote or at-home sampling. This makes it a compelling choice for programs that need high-quality data and a sampling experience that is easier for both sites and participants.

If you’re exploring how to modernize your blood collection strategy, the next step is to understand what capillary blood microsampling can offer in practice—across study design, logistics, and data quality. Continue your journey by learning more about the advantages of capillary blood microsampling and how it compares with traditional approaches.