Dried Blood Spot (DBS) — A method of collecting a blood sample by pricking a finger, placing a few drops of blood onto a specially treated filter paper card, and allowing it to dry. Once dried, the card can be mailed to a lab for testing without refrigeration — making it a popular collection method for at-home and DTC testing. DBS cards are used for a wide range of tests including hormone panels, genetic screening, and newborn screening programs. They are simpler and less invasive than traditional venous blood draws.
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