This standard describes general procedures for collecting diagnostic capillary blood specimens. It is intended for phlebotomists or other health care providers responsible for obtaining specimens from patients, as well as for manufacturers of skin puncture and incision devices and microcollection containers.In addition, this document describes and recommends several disposable devices for collecting, processing, and transferring diagnostic capillary blood specimens. The recommendations are strictly limited to disposable products, which are used once per specimen or as defined by the manufacturer’s detailed test technique. This document does not address skin puncture procedure for self-testing or collection procedures for capillary blood gases. (For information on capillary blood gas collection, see CLSI/NCCLS document H11.2)