Which is best? Dried blood spot testing vs Tasso

‍Dried blood spot testing and blood collection from a Tasso device are both excellent methods of at-home health testing. In both cases, patients self-collect blood samples at home and mail them to labs for assessment by technicians. While both are great options, they have different use cases that Ash can provide. Below, we discuss how both methods work, where they differ, and answer common questions on risks and benefits.

How does dried blood spot testing work? 

Blood spot testing screens for illnesses with capillary blood collected and dried on a paper card (DBS card). Medical providers or digital health companies mail the card and other collection materials to patients’ homes in a collection kit. Patients use a retractable incision device to prick a finger and deposit drops of blood onto the DBS card. After the blood is dry, patients mail the card to a lab where technicians extract target analytes and analyze samples against markers to determine results. This sampling method is often performed outside care facilities and at home.

How does Tasso blood collection work? 

Tasso blood collection works when a patient sticks a Tasso Button to his/her/their skin with an adhesive. The patient presses the button, which forms a vacuum as a lancet pricks the skin, drawing capillary blood into a container attached to the bottom of the Tasso Button. These blood samples are shipped to a lab for analysis.

Is dried blood spot testing accurate? 

Dried blood spot testing is accurate and increasingly preferred to phlebotomy as a method for collecting biomarkers in whole blood. It is appropriate for use in adult patients, pediatric patients, and neonatal patients. DBS cards can be used to screen for HIV, allergies, cancers, comprehensive metabolic panels, fertility markers, and more. This type of testing is monitored by CLIA and CAP certifications.

What are the benefits of dried blood spot testing and Tasso? 

While there are many benefits to dried blood spot card testing, there are also instances where the Tasso device and wet blood samples can be more appropriate to meet an organization’s goals and patient needs. However, both methods can be utilized for a variety of uses like an at home cholesterol test, PrEP adherence, and more. 

Benefits of Dried Blood Spot Cards:

• The World Health Organization recommends the use of DBS cards for HIV and hepatitis B and C diagnosis for people living in low-income settings. DBS cards are often utilized in resource-limited settings or as part of the systematic screening of newborns.
• Benefits for public health organizations include the ability to screen hard-to-reach populations without the otherwise difficult transport of bodily fluids, as well as reduced storage and shipping costs.
• For patients, blood spot testing is less invasive than phlebotomy and useful as part of long-term medication maintenance for drugs such as PrEP, which requires regular HIV and creatinine screening.

Benefits of Tasso:

• Unlocks New York State population for clients that have large populations in New York or are solely based in New York, as self-collection blood samples with dry blood spot cards are not cleared for use in New York.
• Easier experience for patients who have a fear of needles and are adverse to finger pricks.
• Premium patient experience for virtual providers looking to provide an end-to-end white glove virtual healthcare experience.
• Allows for larger blood samples for large panels that typically would require multiple dry blood spot cards. The Tasso device collects 500µL of blood in a single draw, whereas a dry blood spot card typically holds 50-75µL per circle. While cards have multiple circles and you can offer multiple cards - it can be a cumbersome process for patients.

Check out our test menu to learn more about the biomarkers in these panels, and to get an idea of our other commonly requested panels.

What are the risks of dried blood spot testing and Tasso? 

Noted risks with DBS cards include contamination or exposure of cards if not properly dried or stored, but such risks are mitigated with additional secure packaging. Similar to phlebotomy, there is a minor risk of bruising, soreness, infection, or fainting at the site of use with the Tasso device. There is also a possible allergic reaction to the Tasso Button adhesive.

What does this all mean?

Dried blood spot testing and Tasso devices are both excellent options for at-home testing programs. They both allow patients to self-collect a sample at home, mail it to the lab, where the lab runs analyses and clinical staff receives results. With Ash, you have access to a suite of services and testing options so you can choose the best solution to fit your organization's goals and patient needs.

Schedule a time to chat with Ash about white-labeled at-home testing for your patient population.